It is questionable that Fresson either copied or improved Artigue's direct
carbon paper. My research suggests that the manufacturing process for the
two papers was very different. Artigue papers appear to have been
manufactured by a powdering on process which left the pigment on top of the
gelatin, whereas Fresson papers have the pigment incorporated into the
coating. During the period of time when both papers were available
commercially in the early part of this century many preferred Artigue for
its richer, more velvet like surface quality. In fact Artigue was often
called "charbon velours" to distinguish it from Fresson, "charbon satin."
Sandy
>Actually I believe that the accounts claim that Fresson copied/improved
>upon the process developed by Frederic Artique who's son Victor Artique
>commercially began selling the paper in 1893. However, both Frederic and
>Victor chose to never reveal their methods and or formulas. The second
>inventor was Theodore Fresson who in 1899 commercially began selling a
>reportedly similar printing paper. The Fresson family supplied this paper
>until about the mid 1930's (it was sold in the US) after which they chose
>to supply only finished prints.
>
>Sincerely, Art
>
>
>
>
>Art Chakalis
>Columbus, Ohio, USA
>