"The platinum print has an indescribable charm, suggesting
atmosphere." ---Alfred Stieglitz The platinum/palladium printing
technique was developed in England in the late 19th-century and
was soon widely acclaimed for producing prints of exceptional
quality and beauty. Many well-known early photographers such as
Alfred Stieglitz, Frederick Evans, Paul Strand, and Laura Gilpin
printed their finest images in platinum/palladium. Production of
commercially-made platinum/palladium papers ceased in the 1930's
when the metals became too expensive for photographic use.
Today's practitioners of platinum/palladium printing must
purchase the chemicals, mix them to produce a liquid coating,
and then brush or spread the coating on fine cotton-rag or linen
paper. Once the coating is dry the hand-coated paper is placed
in contact with the negative and exposed to a strong ultraviolet
light source, either the sun or ultraviolet lamps. After
immersion in developer and three clearing baths, the print is
thoroughly washed and dr