A book cover formed by Martin's Ceramic Papier-maché process, 1860. Creator: Unknown

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A book cover formed by Martin's Ceramic Papier-maché process, 1860. Creator: Unknown

A book cover formed by Martin's Ceramic Papier-mache process, 1860. A type of...plastic fibrous material...capable of being most advantageously and economically manufactured into a numerous class of articles of high artistic merit. This invention, which has been patented by Mr. J. C. Martin, of Barnes, has for its object the production in a plastic material of imitations of wood carvings, from which it is scarcely distinguishable, and that could be readily moulded, subsequently hardening into a close-grained, hard, tough, and durable substance, resembling wood, admitting of an after process of carving to produce the undercuts, and susceptible of the highest finish. The grain of various woods may be very exactly imitated by a proper and careful mixture of differently-coloured portions of the substance. The material of which this new substance is chiefly composed is paper, or rather the fibrous pulp of which paper is made, combined - among various other ingredients, with a resinous soap (that is, resin dissolved in alkali), to which is due its plastic qualities, and which enables it to be moulded, without the addition of an earthy or claylike substance, adds to its strength, and admits of the subsequent process of carving'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860

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Media ID 36348630

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Book Cover Hand Carved Handicraft Handicrafts Innovation Material Papier Mache

EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing book cover, showcasing a beautiful floral design, is an exemplary creation of the Martin's Ceramic Papier-mâché process, invented in 1860. The process involved the use of a plastic fibrous material, capable of being molded into various forms and subsequently hardening into a close-grained, hard, tough, and durable substance. The material was primarily composed of paper pulp, combined with a resinous soap that gave it its plastic qualities, enabling it to be molded without the addition of clay or earthy substances. The resulting material was remarkably similar to wood carvings, making it an economical and advantageous alternative for producing articles of high artistic merit. The inventor of this innovative technique was J.C. Martin, based in Barnes. The process allowed for the imitation of various wood grains through a careful mixture of differently-coloured portions of the substance. After hardening, the material could undergo a carving process to create intricate designs and details, further enhancing its resemblance to wood. The durability and versatility of this ceramic papier-mâché material made it an excellent choice for creating decorative objects, and its high finish added to its allure. This cover is a testament to the artistic potential of this groundbreaking invention, which revolutionized the production of decorative arts in the mid-19th century.

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