Re: fresson

[ARTHURWG@aol.com]

You're partly correct except that the Fresson process uses a special paper 
that was once sold commercially. I found an account of  Fresson  in one of 
those old Anderson books. 
    A "slightly rough paper which will withstand moderately harsh treatment  
is first given a coat of hardened gelatine, and over this is placed a coat of 
some colloid-- probably gelatin-- which is so treated  as to melt at 96 F.  
With this second coat of gelatin there has been incorporated a relatively  
large amount of earth pigment, the result being toi make the surface opaque 
and at the same time to give a matt surface that is entirely devoid of 
lustre."
   The paper is sensitized before use  with potassium bichromate. After 
printing, the paper is soaked first in cold water, then warm water, and then 
placed on a slanting surface.  "A puree of boxwood sawdust and water is 
poured repeatedly over it, this soup gradually eroding and gradually carrying 
off  the soluble portions of the gelatine, with the pigment which they 
contain, thus bringing out the gradations of the subject."  
   Although the contemporary Fresson prints that I have seen have a grainy 
look much like some inkjet prints, Andreson says that properly handled, and 
on smooth paper,  "has a texture nearly as fine as a palladium print..."
   Now where do we get a supply of boxwood sawdust?