The Secret of Cobalt Blue

Activity in the Connections Exhibition and the Foundation Gardens

In this workshop-visit, children explore cobalt blue, a travelling colour present in Chinese porcelain and in the connections between cultures, transforming it into images through cyanotype, an artistic technique that uses sunlight to create photographic prints.

The activity begins with a sensory visit to the collection, observing blue-and-white porcelain pieces and exploring patterns, shapes, and figures. Inspired by these references, children move on to the practical component, where they create unique compositions using cobalt blue and elements from the garden (such as leaves and plants), discovering how the colour gradually appears on paper when exposed to sunlight.

The result is an almost magical experience, in which cobalt blue ceases to be merely a colour of the past and becomes a means of personal creation and sensory discovery.