There has been correspondence recently about the 'Heliochrome' process.
Dunstan Pereira is using the word to market his 'safe alternative' to gum
bichromate printing. Dunstan says that only those who are prepared to take the
risk that smokers take should continue with traditional gum printing. I think
that Dunstan has recently stopped smoking.
'Heliochrome' is available in kit form. It is based on light sensitive polymers.
I am not sure quite what is in it as Dunstan tends to be unforthcoming when
asked. It is a monochrome process, for each coat, and so in operation is
similar to gum. I had assumed, perhaps wrongly. that its operation is similar
to various proofing methods discussed here recently. Dunstan is also offering a
three or four colour version as a service to professionals requiring 'archival'
versions of their work.
I have seen amateur results from the kit which looked good. The four colour
version produces results similar to a C type. Dunstan's own prints using the
four colour version looked technically impressive when they were on show in the
gallery in Ilford's London office in Tottenham Street last year.
There was an opportunity to see Dunstan using the processs in his objective
documentary on Channel 4 on race relations last week when the 'philosophy' was
put forward over a background of Dunstan making 'heliochromes'. The
documentary reflected Dunstan's thoughts as a Sri Lankan photographer who had
been beaten up by a bunch of white yobs. He examined the attitudes to race of
different communties. His conclusion seemed to be that no group was in a
position to stand on a white sheet.
Dunstan is not on the net but can be contacted at 0181 858 8009. His address is
10,St Pauls Close, Fairfield Grove, Charlton. London, SE7, UK..
Terry King
Terry King