Parchment making is a meticulous craft that transforms animal skins into a durable writing material. This process, which has been refined over centuries, involves several stages that require skill and precision. In this article, we explore the intricate steps involved in creating parchment, highlighting the artistry and expertise required.
Preparing the Skins
The journey of parchment begins with the selection of animal skins, typically from sheep, calves, or goats. Once
the skin is removed from the animal, it is temporarily preserved through drying or salting until it can be processed. The skin is then immersed in water for 48 hours to clean and rehydrate it, removing non-collagenous materials in the process.
Following this, the skin undergoes the liming process, where it is soaked in a lime or alkali solution. This step is crucial for dehairing the skin and preparing it for stretching. In the 19th century, chemicals were introduced to speed up this process, although they sometimes resulted in weaker parchments. The skin is then stretched on a frame, ensuring even contraction as it dries.
Stretching and Treating the Parchment
Stretching the skin is a critical phase in parchment making. The skin is placed on a wooden frame and stretched under tension, aligning the fibers parallel to the surface. This process not only flattens the skin but also enhances its durability and writing surface.
To make the parchment more aesthetically pleasing and suitable for writing, various treatments are applied. Rubbing pumice powder into the flesh side of the parchment smooths the surface, while pastes of lime, flour, egg whites, and milk are used to whiten and prepare it for ink. These treatments ensure that the parchment is receptive to pigments and inks, making it an ideal writing medium.
Challenges and Considerations
Parchment making is not without its challenges. The removal of natural fats and oils during the process makes parchment more reactive to moisture and humidity changes. This reactivity can lead to issues such as cockling and distortion if not properly managed.
Conservators must also consider historical coatings, such as chalk and egg whites, when preserving parchment. These coatings are integral to the parchment's history and must be preserved alongside the material itself.
In conclusion, the art of parchment making is a testament to human ingenuity and craftsmanship. The careful preparation and treatment of animal skins result in a material that has stood the test of time, serving as a vital medium for recording history and culture.
