Historic Darkroom and Printmaking Processes with Magda
Step back in time and explore historic darkroom and early printmaking processes with Magda in London. Discover 19th-century techniques like large-format photography, wet plate collodion, and cyanotypes, develop your artistic voice, and push the limits of photography by printing on unconventional materials like cloth and plant matter. Beyond the studio, draw inspiration from the Victoria & Albert Museum, one of the richest collections in the world, and immerse yourself in London’s vibrant art scene.
- Snacks, Coffee, & Tea
Pricing
- One Guest
- USD $1495
- Additional guest(s) (max 4)
- USD $480
Meet the Artist
Magda is a London-based visual artist, photographer, and educator whose work transports viewers into the world of historical photography through the lens of her Polish heritage and folklore. Specializing in wet collodion, cyanotype, platinum printing, gum bichromate, and cameraless photography, Magda's unique approach has garnered international attention for how it bridges photography, anthropology, and personal storytelling, immersing viewers in a world where art and cultural memory intertwine.
Her process is distinctively slow-paced and deliberate—a method she describes as "a little world you get drawn into," where time slows down, allowing the artistry to take center stage. Magda often prints on unconventional surfaces, such as plant matter and textiles, embracing the transformative possibilities of experimentation and natural degradation.
One of her notable projects, Slavic Bestiary, explores Slavic culture's mythologies and ritual practices. In this series, she incorporates authentic folk costumes sourced from Polish museums, bringing figures like Turon—a character from New Year's traditions—and ceremonial attire from Krakow to life. This approach not only celebrates Slavic identity but also deepens the tactile bond between her subjects and the viewer, highlighting the intricate relationship between craft, tradition, and cultural identity.
Magda is passionate about creating meaningful connections through the art of photography. She invites you to step back in time, embarking on a journey of self-expression and connecting with the past through craft.
Her process is distinctively slow-paced and deliberate—a method she describes as "a little world you get drawn into," where time slows down, allowing the artistry to take center stage. Magda often prints on unconventional surfaces, such as plant matter and textiles, embracing the transformative possibilities of experimentation and natural degradation.
One of her notable projects, Slavic Bestiary, explores Slavic culture's mythologies and ritual practices. In this series, she incorporates authentic folk costumes sourced from Polish museums, bringing figures like Turon—a character from New Year's traditions—and ceremonial attire from Krakow to life. This approach not only celebrates Slavic identity but also deepens the tactile bond between her subjects and the viewer, highlighting the intricate relationship between craft, tradition, and cultural identity.
Magda is passionate about creating meaningful connections through the art of photography. She invites you to step back in time, embarking on a journey of self-expression and connecting with the past through craft.
VAWAA Includes:
- Work with historic cameras and equipment exploring 19th-century darkroom techniques while developing your artistic style within the context of fine art photography.
- Start with a historical overview of early photographic processes, followed by daily hands-on lessons in a different historical technique.
- Choose from a range of processes, including wet collodion, cyanotype, mordançage, black and white large-format film, salted paper prints, electrophotography, chemigrams, Van Dyke printing, Polaroid, photopolymer, and anthotype (printing with plant matter).
- Focus on refining your photographic practice, with a special emphasis on storytelling in portraiture or still life, guided by Magda’s holistic approach to photography as fine art.
- Finish your own handmade prints and photographs on glass.
- All materials are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own photographs for printing if desired.
- Visit the Victoria and Albert Museum’s renowned photography archive, one of the richest collections in the world, for inspiration.
- Discover London’s vibrant art scene through visits to local galleries and photography exhibitions (subject to availability).
- Enjoy a reflective walk through the historic Brompton Cemetery.
Explore London
London is a thriving epicenter for arts and culture, offering countless opportunities to explore the world of photography. The city’s vibrant arts scene spans national institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum, with its extensive photography collections, to smaller Kensington galleries showcasing historic and modern works. The city is also a foodie’s paradise, with many food halls like the iconic Brixton and Borough Markets offering fusion cuisine from up-and-coming chefs.
Don't miss a visit to Hampstead Heath for cityscape views and nature trails, a wander through Camden Town for open-air antique markets, or a low tide walk along the south bank of the Thames to see the underbelly of the city’s historic infrastructure. London’s dense ecosystem of artistic offerings makes it a haven for creatives looking to connect, learn, and find inspiration in a city celebrating the full spectrum of sensory expression.
Don't miss a visit to Hampstead Heath for cityscape views and nature trails, a wander through Camden Town for open-air antique markets, or a low tide walk along the south bank of the Thames to see the underbelly of the city’s historic infrastructure. London’s dense ecosystem of artistic offerings makes it a haven for creatives looking to connect, learn, and find inspiration in a city celebrating the full spectrum of sensory expression.
Additional Details
The best time to visit London is in spring and summer, between March and September, when the day's are lighter, brighter and longer. It's best to avoid the Christmas holidays, between December 20th and January 2nd. Magda recommends booking Thursday-Saturday, as most gallery openings are on Thursdays.
This VAWAA is available for extended durations of up to 150 days. Please make a note in your booking request.
Children over 12 years, accompanied by a guardian, are welcome to participate. Unfortunately Magda’s studio is located in an old Victorian building that is not wheelchair accessible.
Magda speaks English and Polish.
This VAWAA is available for extended durations of up to 150 days. Please make a note in your booking request.
Children over 12 years, accompanied by a guardian, are welcome to participate. Unfortunately Magda’s studio is located in an old Victorian building that is not wheelchair accessible.
Magda speaks English and Polish.