Aurotype

Aurotype is an obsolete photographic printing process patented in 1887 by J.J. Acworth. It utilizes gold toning and platinum salts to produce prints with a range of colors, often characterized by their warm, reddish-brown hues reminiscent of gold. The process offered more permanence than some contemporary photographic methods, due to the use of stable metallic elements. The final image is formed by metallic gold and platinum within the paper fibers. The Aurotype process was marketed to professional photographers as a method for producing high-quality, aesthetically pleasing prints. The precise chemical formulation and method of execution varied, often proprietary to the photographer employing the process, making precise replication challenging today. The process faded in popularity due to its complexity and the emergence of simpler, more cost-effective photographic techniques. Historical examples of Aurotype prints are now valued for their unique tonal qualities and enduring character.