I would like to look at some original prints. Is it possible?
In the page of photo exhibitions you will find the programs of what is going on.

Where may I find technical descriptions and practical information on how to start?
We point out our handbook "Antiche Tecniche" (in Italian), that you can order by mail at Edizioni Progresso. Moreover, an updated bibliography is available at the end of the page dedicated to techniques, while many sites concerning technical problems –formularies and so on– are to be found in the link page.

I would like to become a member of GRN. What shall I do?
Anyone has tried –even unsuccessfully– at least one of the old techniques and is sincerely interested in this activity may apply for a membership to Namias Group. Generally, the members meet in Parma at least once in a year, to discuss techniques and activities, and to look at images.
New members are usually accepted by cooptation: they must have a good skilfulness in darkroom work.
The GRN is not an elite group, but is different from a normal photography club where one often goes only to learn. Above all, it is not the best place to gain fame and visibility. To apply as a partner, the person is asked to read the statute, and ask: "What can I do for the GRN?". If you really believe, then send an email in which you ask to join the group, endorsing the statute.

Do these techniques employ conventional drawing paper?
Virtually any brand of paper may be used, some tests being anyhow necessary. Best papers are medium weight 100% cotton. Sometimes (particularly with gum dichromate process) a previous bath in water may be required –to improve their dimensional stability–, followed by a resizing.

Where are materials and chemicals available?
Papers, inks, pigments, brushes and so on are available at art stores.
Chemicals have to be requested to special vendors. Good photography stores generally may offer some chemicals used in B&W processes, as sodium thiosulphate, and ready-to-use toners. It will be much less expensive to prepare at home toning baths –if used in large quantities–, using basic chemicals.

What about the danger of using chemicals?
Generally speaking, the only harmless products are gelatine, arabic gum and citric acid, which are commonly used in foods.
With this exception, chemicals must be carefully handled and stored in safe conditions. As a matter of facts, also the baths for B&W and colour treatments contain dangerous chemicals, which could also induce allergic reactions.

Digitalization is heavily influencing our world, including photography. How can you reconcile your attempt to recover such an old artisan activity with modern trends?
Old printing techniques exalt manual work and artistic creativity, but the preparation of large negatives –or positives– may be greatly helped by digital techniques. For this reason we are perfectly able to make a good use of brushes and pixels.

What about the time stability of your prints?
Gums and oleotypes are as stable as water colours, temperas, lithographic prints or oil paintings; they are in fact produced with the same products.
Platinum prints are unalterable, platinum being the most inert metal.
Silver based prints –salt prints, kallitypes, Van Dyck brown prints– may be made more stable with gold toning, without which they are as stable as conventional B&W prints.
Cyanotypes made in XIX century are still unaltered without any after-treatment

Are the exposed prints for sale?
This is not a commercial site, the GRN being a non-profit organisation. However, GRN members may dispose of their images; the e-mail addresses are shown in their personal pages.