Paper - Properties
 

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Before Paper- Papyrus, Parchment & Vellum

Papyrus

Papyrus has played an important role in history. The oldest written papyrus rolls date back 5000 years, and the word 'paper' itself is derived from the Greek and Latin words for papyrus. The abundance and utility of papyrus on the lower Nile made it an important symbol in Egyptian architecture and religion, and the availability of papyrus sheets for recording information was an important asset to Egyptian rulers. It is clear, too, that without papyrus the course of Mediterranean history and literature would have been vastly different. d

The reed brush and papyrus were easy to use and accessible, offering less incentive for the Egyptians to innovate in their writing. In fact, the revolution represented by the Egyptian use of (liquid) ink, pen and brush, and papyrus remains the basis for handwritten communication even to this day.

To prepare papyrus to a sheet suitable for writing, the smooth, triangular stalks of the plant are harvested and peeled, and the pith was sliced and pounded together in strips. This was followed by a second layer of pith placed perpendicular to the first, pounded to make a flat sheet, then polished smooth with a stone, bone, or shell or some other means.

Parchment & Vellum

The manufacture of parchment dates back to at least the Middle Kingdom of Egypt, or approximately 2500 B.C. The Egyptians used leather for their most important, valued writing such as temple rituals and royal archives. Parchment’s “manufacture” arrived in North western Europe along with Christianity, where it became the most important writing material of the Middle Ages. From the 12th century onwards, however, its use slowly declined in favour of paper. Its use today is limited, being restricted largely to state and legal documents, certificates, and in specific religious roles.

dTrue parchment is made from sheepskin.  It is a translucent or opaque material made from the wet, limed, and un haired skins of sheep, goats, or similar smaller animals, by drying at room temperature under tension, generally on a wooden frame known as a stretching frame. Wood is used because a frame of iron, for example, is likely to cause blue iron stains which are difficult to remove. Good parchment must be fine, that is, thin, strong, yet flexible, and must have a smooth surface if it is to be used for writing. Both sides may be used.

Vellum is made from calfskins and is prepared in generally the same way true parchment. Parchment and vellum offer the advantage of being usable on both sides. Although still available today, parchment is very expensive. It continues to play a role in Jewish ritual; a book of laws must be written on skin and all synagogues have their parchment scrolls

Making Paper - The Process

Although there are many subtleties which affect the quality of a paper, papermaking in essence is a simple process. Whether using recycled materials or fresh organic matter, the process starts by shredding the material into small strips and soaking them overnight to loosen the fibres.

Next, the fibres are boiled for 2-6 hours, being turned every so often. When finished, the fibres are washed with fresh water to remove impurities and then small particles or specks are removed by hand.

The fibres are beaten in a blender or by hand to a creamy pulp.  At this stage, dyes can be added to create coloured papers.

The pulp is poured into a large tub and the fibres are suspended in the water. The artisan dips a framed screen into the water and with great skill, lifts it to the surface catching the fibres onto the screen. The screens can either be left in the sun to dry, or be transferred to boards, pressed, smoothed and then dried.

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Sunday August 08, 2004 17:52 +0200