[GBW] gessoed parchment

[Praxis Bindery <pgeraty@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

We are about to produce a facsimile of a sketch book to be used in an
exhibition on Rembrandt.  These books, called tafelet, were usually made
with vellum pages prepared with gesso.  The books were pocket-sized, bound
into leather and had clasps or foredge flaps fastened with a metal stylus
which was used for scribing the prepared surface of the vellum.

We are looking for information on these books.  How was the vellum itself
prepared, e.g. - scraped on both sides?  Has anyone any information on how
the gesso was applied?  What formula for gesso might have been used?  Did
the gesso go all the way into the gutter margin?  Did that seem to pose any
problems with the sewing?  How many pages was common?  What sizes were in
use?  How ornate or plain were the bindings?  Are there any collections in
New England which contain some of these books or any collections, anywhere,
which might have photographs showing the pages and the bindings?

Information on these books would be greatly appreciated.  We would also be
glad to forward any information we get to anyone else interested.

Thank you,
--
Peter Geraty
Praxis Bindery
1 Cottage St. Unit #18
Easthampton, MA 01027-1667
ph - 413-527-7275
fx - 413-527-7273
pgeraty@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
http://www.praxisbindery.com

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