Image formation by thermal transfer

A method is disclosed for the formation of an image comprising the steps of (1) image-wise exposing, in the presence of a photopolymerizable compound, a photosensitive element comprising a support and at least one photosensitive layer containing a silver halide sensitive to actinic radiation, an organic silver salt and a reducing agent, (2) heating said photosensitive layer while in contact with a receiving element and allowing non-photopolymerized compound in the non-exposed areas to transfer and penetrate in said receiving element, and, (3) separating said receiving element from said photosensitive element. The obtained image can be a useful visible image produced on at least one of the separated elements, or it can be a hydrophobic polymer image on a hydrophilic background formed in the finally separated receiving element which is usable as a printing plate. In the former embodiment the receiving element comprises a support and a layer containing a pigment, e.g. carbon black. In the latter embodiment the receiving element must comprise a hydrophilic surface, e.g. a support coated with a hydrophilic layer, or a metal support having a hydrophilic surface. The photopolymerizable compound preferably bears one or more functional (meth)acrylate groups. Most preferably this compound is chosen from particular classes of reactive multifunctional monomers.