Description
Bodily Decay, Arrested: The Conservation of a 1619 copy of Remmelin’s Catoptrum Microcosmicum in Contrast to the Compositional Deterioration of later Editions – Victoria Stevens
This very detailed article describes the use of flaps and other moving parts in early scholarly books that were used to transform simple 2-D images into a more layered representation. They were often used for anatomical books, where lifting of one or more flaps would show internal detail of a body. In addition to outlining some of the history of these books, a case study involving conservation treatment on one work is discussed.
10 pages, 28 figures
Two Views of Rickford Paper Mill, Somerset in 1822 by the Reverend John Skinner (1772 -1839) – Peter Bower
This short piece shows two sketches of the eponymous mill, and a portrait of the artist.
2 pages, 3 figures
A Career in the Creation of Traditional Chiaroscuro Watermarked Paper – Massimo Leotardi (Master Watermark Engraver)
The technique of chiaroscuro (light and shade) watermarking is used to produce fine and complicated pictorial representations in paper when viewed in transmitted light. The author was a master practitioner of the art form, until retirement. Here he describes, with detailed photographs, the process of producing such a watermark, along with a few examples of the craft.
3 pages, 5 figures
Wiggins Teape Instrument Collection: Part 2 – Optical Equipment – Daven Chamberlain
The author had amassed a large collection of paper test equipment over a 20 years period whilst working in the paper industry. This collection has now been donated to the Paper Foundation, set up by Mark Cropper. This second article in a series of three details some of the optical instruments in the donation.
2.5 pages, 1 figure
Origami and the Silhouette – Peter Bower
Unusual combination of origami and angled light to produce a range of facial profiles in silhouette.
0.5 page, 1 figure
Cyril Finn Imortalised in a Watermark – Peter Bower
Cyril Finn was a vatman at Tuckenhay Mill. The watermarked paper showing him at work is from a collection held at St Cuthbert’s Mill, Somerset.
1 page, 1 figure
What a Waste! How Postal Systems dealt with Paper Shortages – Wendy Buckle
This article was inspired by two recent articles in The Quarterly No.107 and 114, both on waste paper. It highlights how various postal systems around the world have re-used a variety of unusual papers at time of great need, such as wars. The text is exceptionally well illustrated, adding immensely to the subject matter.
7 pages, 35 figures
Two Three-Dimensional Handcoloured Plans of a German Paper Mill – Peter Bower
In some ways this article follows on from the lead article in this edition, in that the plans for this paper mill had a number of flaps, allowing the mill owner to see the current layout, alongside proposed changes. The planned alterations were never realised.
1.5 pages, 2 figures
DS Smith Time Capsule, Kemsley Mill, Kent – Caroline Crumley
Kemsley Mill is the largest mill operating in the UK today. When foundations were dug for a new power plant, local school children were asked to produce a ‘time capsule’ to be buried, highlighting what life was like in 2019.
0.5 pages
Smith Bateson: our heritage and experience is unrivalled – Mike Malley
Smith Bateson is a leading distributor of paper and polythene products, that dates its establishment to 1801. This article contains reminiscences of John Dennis Smith (d. 1999) about working practices at the company pre- and post-WWII.
1.5 pages, 1 figure
Real Photographic Post Cards – Peter Bower
A real photographic post card (RPPC) is a continuous-tone photographic image produced from negatives directly onto photographic paper that was postcard sized. The card used for illustrative purposes shows Downton Paper Mill, run by Mark Palmer & Sons, around the time of WWI.
0.5 page, 1 figure
British Bibliography of Paper History and Watermark Studies No 27, 2019 (+ addenda to No.26, 2018 and 25, 2017) – Daven Chamberlain
Listing of articles concerned with papermaking history and paper conservation published in 2019. Also, additions to listing of articles concerned with papermaking history and paper conservation published in 2017 and 2018.
5 pages
The Rag Trade, Smallpox and a Sussex Paper Mill – Ian Friel
Rags have long been known as a vector of disease. This article highlights one of the few instances in relatively modern times (1883), when scientific investigation highlighted a local cluster of smallpox victims (some of whom died) associated with use of rags at a UK paper mill.
8 pages, 5 figures
Paper Destroying Fungi – James Scott
Another well-illustrated article from this early adherent of the microscope for investigating paper-based problems. This time the subject is various moulds to be found upon paper surfaces, some of which attack and destroy cellulose fibres, weakening the paper structure and forming localised holes.
2.5 pages, 4 figures
