The process of photogravure was invented by Fox Talbot, who started his experiments on intaglio etchings by photographic means prior to 1852.

The first plates were made by coating copperplates with bichromated gelatin in a very thin layer and then etching in different concentrations of ferric chloride solution.

H. Garnier, Lemercier et Cie and Goupil & Cie in Paris produced excellent work in photoetching, featuring real continuous tone prints in the 1970’s. Their method was a process for producing electrodeposited plates from swelling gelatin prints.

The process of Garnier-Dujardins consisted of pouring gelatin solution using a whirler directly onto the copperplates. The plates were etched three times in different concentrations of ferric or chloride solution.

Karl Klic originated a combination of Swan’s carbon process by using a pigmented paper (carbon tissue) which was transferred onto the copperplates and etched.

This variation facilitated the process tremendously.

The only manufacturer is the MacDermit Autotype Company in England.