Jane Yates — Cyanotypes

Cyanotypes, handmade using man-made objects — out of date or discarded — to make art

The Work


Obsolete computer components — circuit boards, cooling fans, heatsinks, phone shells, 35mm slides — laid on hand-coated paper and exposed to light. Each print is unique. Click any piece to view it larger.

About the Artist


I am a multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores the relationship between people, technology, heritage and community. Working across illustration, cyanotype, digital media and public engagement, I combine traditional artistic processes with contemporary ideas and emerging technologies.

Blueprints of Technology was commissioned by the Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford. Using the historic cyanotype process — one of photography's earliest techniques — and discarded digital hardware, the work transforms obsolete components into blueprint-like photographic prints, reflecting on technological change, networks and digital memory. The series is on display in the Institute's building in Oxford.

Alongside my practice I have worked with museums, universities and community organisations, creating projects that encourage participation, learning and conversation.

Selected Commission
Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford — 2025
Artweeks Oxfordshire
Open studios & exhibitions — 2023–2024
Westbury People's Gallery, Oxford
John Wain illustration series
Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford
Interactive museum app & curated events

The Cyanotype Process


Invented in 1842, the cyanotype is one of the oldest photographic printing processes — the original “blueprint.”

i

Coat

Paper is hand-coated with ferric ammonium citrate and potassium ferricyanide — a light-sensitive iron solution — then dried in the dark.

ii

Compose

Salvaged computer parts are arranged directly on the paper — every layout is a one-off.

iii

Expose

UV light passes around and through the objects, drawing their shadows onto the paper.

iv

Wash

Rinsing in water converts the chemistry to Prussian blue (ferric ferrocyanide). No two prints are ever the same.

Enquiries


Original prints from the series are available. For prices, commissions, exhibitions or anything else, I'd love to hear from you.

Get in touch