Use of brayers for bromoil inking

GeneAlt@aol.com
Wed, 19 Nov 1997 15:32:49 -0500 (EST)

In response to several comments recently on the subject of the use of foam
rubber brayers (and other rollers) for the application of ink onto a bromoil
matrix, I found the following historical extracts to be of interest.

From: Bromoil Prints and Bromoil Transfers, John A. Tennant, The
Photo-Miniature, Volume XVI, Feb.-May 1922, Number 186:

>Rollers. For rapid pigmenting, the obtaining in the bromoil of a perfect
facsimile in pigment of the original bromide print ... or where very fine
grain is desired, Continental bromoilists apply the pigment to the print with
a roller, rather than a brush ... this practice has not as yet obtained a
footing among American or British workers; probably because suitable rollers
are not available ...

The bromoil roller ...consists of a wooden core or spool 2 1/2 inches in
length and 3/4 inch in diameter, overlaid with soft sponge rubber about 5/8
inch in thickness, which is provided with an outer covering of thick soft
plush ...

Slow rolling with moderate pressure brings out the image and gives it good
color and richness; quick rolling with a light pressure diminishes the
coloring of the print...<

Not much as changed in the past 75 years concerning the above statements,
although I do feel that the use of brayers has become a more accepted
practice recently in America and Great Britain, particularly when used in
concert with brushes.

Question: Are rollers that fit the above 1922 description still used (and
readily available) in Europe?

Cheers!

Gene Laughter