Re: fresson

[Art Chakalis <achakali@gcfn.org>]

I would suggest using Poplar as it is more pH neutral.

Sincerely, Art


On Thu, 2 May 2002 ARTHURWG@aol.com wrote:

> 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?