Loreirotype

The Loreirotype is a historical photographic process that emerged in the mid-19th century. Developed by the Portuguese inventor Manuel da Silva Loreiro, it offered an alternative to earlier, more complex methods of image capture. The Loreirotype process typically involved exposing a silver-plated copper sheet to iodized fumes, creating a light-sensitive surface. This plate was then placed in a camera and exposed to light. Following exposure, the image was developed, often using mercury vapor, and then fixed to make it permanent. The resulting daguerreotypes were known for their sharp detail and mirror-like finish. While never achieving the widespread popularity of the daguerreotype or the later albumen print, the Loreirotype holds a place in the history of early photography for its unique chemical approach and its contribution to the evolving techniques of capturing images. Its production was relatively limited, making surviving Loreirotypes rare and of interest to photographic historians and collectors. The process, like many early photographic methods, required significant skill and careful handling of hazardous chemicals.