11/08/2026
At the Laboratory Zürich, we are also specialised in the production of silver gelatine prints, combining traditional darkroom craftsmanship with decades of experience.
Enlargements on silver gelatine paper are characterized by a wide tonal range, a silky shimmering surface and a long shelf life.
Silver gelatine paper, also known as baryta paper, consists of a cotton base, a layer of barium sulphate and the light-sensitive silver gelatine layer. The barium sulphate or baryta layer stops the photographic layer from sinking into the surface of the base paper.
In contrast to the digitally exposed baryta print, we work with an analog enlarger in the darkroom. Each print is exposed individually, so each image has its own optimum exposure time. Areas that are too light can be re-exposed, areas that are too dark can be dodged – in this sense, «analog image processing» is always part of the image statement. The exposed paper is developed, soaked, air-dried and pressed and then retouched by hand with a brush.
As this process is time-consuming, it is used less and less today. However, museums, galleries, art lovers and artists still greatly appreciate hand prints made on silver gelatine paper. This process is and remains one of the most beautiful black and white photographic techniques.
to see : © Christian Scholz, Zürich 2026
„Portraitwerk aus der 4. Folge KunstsammlerInnen“
