The Traditional European Handmade Paper Mould
The paper mould is one of the most important pieces of equipment in a handmade paper mill and its construction literally defines the type and size of paper a handmade paper mill produces.
An object of beauty, gleaming copper & brass embrace a framework made from smooth, red mahogany, white box & yellow piranha pine.
The intricate construction of the face of the mould, with its chain lines, laid lines & watermark worked in fine wire is a testament to the skill of a master craftsman.
The traditional moulds used in every day production by Griffen Mill are made entirely by hand. Most have been made by Mr Ron Macdonald, who is the last mould maker in the UK. It is to Ron we go when we need a new mould.
Wove or Laid, size of sheet, thickness of sheet, depth of deckle, number of laid lines to the inch, chain line spacing,single face or double faced - the questions come fast & furious.
Then comes the question of the watermark. What type? How big? Where is it to be positioned on the mould face & is the design suitable? Too closed a design can lead to a blurring of the image .
The construction of the paper mould defines the appearance of the sheet of paper. Ron MacDonald has been filmed making a traditional paper mould & deckle as well as making a wire watermark.
This is a "must have" video for anyone who uses handmade paper.
The DVD is available by mail order from I.A. Recordings in PAL & NTSC versions priced £13.45. This includes p & p. worldwide. The link below will take you to the description & ordering page.
www.iarecordings.org/productions/p20.html
