Paper

The paper used for these prints is purpose made at a mill just outside Edinburgh, it is tailored for high quality intaglio printing and has the following properties;

300gsm (140 lb) weight, toned shade, acid free and 'wood free'.

The term 'wood free' can be misleading to anyone outside the paper industry....

this means that all trace of the lignin and other "woody" elements of the pulp have been refined out leaving only the pure cellulose part of the pulp for making high quality paper.

Paper made to this specification has been used for these prints for a great many years. It's longevity is excellent.

Importantly, because these prints are usually hand coloured the paper also has 'size' incorporated both within the structure of the paper (internally sized) and has an additional surface treatment of size. This is to ensure it is consistently receptive to water-colour without the uncontrollable and patchy absorption of colour that would otherwise result.

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