These are the finest calfskin available, manufactured by the same method for the last 200 years.
Cowley Calfskins are available in 7 varieties:
Classic, Manuscript, Honey & Veiny are finished in a very similar manner, the main difference between them is in regards to their surface tonal value or characteristics.
Slunk, Translucent & Kelmscott are all very different in characteristics, see below:
Manuscript: Typically the lightest of the calfskins (asides from Kelmscott). Manuscript skins have been prepared on both sides for calligraphy or illumination with a hard edged pen or steel nib.
Classic: Slightly more ivory or creamy in color with interesting vein pattern. Classic skins are only prepared on one side (grain side, or “skin” side).
Honey: Slightly darker or honey in tone than the Classic Calf, and are only prepared on one side like the Classic Calf.
Veiny: These skins are very rare and have been stained with blood to give them their unique tone and pronounced veining. Sometimes they are referred to as antique or blotchy skins.
Slunk: This small size vellum is produced from the skin of a still born or uterine calf. Slunk skins are valued for their thinness & smoothness, which is ideal for manuscripts, calligraphy, and other applications. Since these skins have not been exposed to the elements, their skin lacks most flaws commonly seen in other more mature animals.
Translucent: These amber toned translucent skins are prepared using a formula from the 1700's to create their translucency.
The image above has been photographed with a sheet of decorative paper behind it to demonstrate some of the skins characteristics.
Kelmscott: These are the whitest & the heaviest of all the vellums. Originally made to simulate ivory, these skins are finished with a plaster of paris coating that adds to the overall thickness of the skin. Kelmscott skins are especially sought after by botanical painters due to their ease of erasure simply by scraping away a top layer of the coating with a knife. While this coating does add significant depth to the skin, none of the luminosity innate to the properties of the skin seems to be lost.
Since skins are all hand finished & made, they do vary in tone & color, and range in size from 6-8 sq. ft.
NOTE: The prices below are the price per square foot of this material, but is sold by the full skin. In the quantity box please indicate the number of skins that you desire, and the price will be adjusted at a later time depending on the size of each individual skin available.
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