Vellum  

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The highest quality parchment from the supple unsplit skins of stillborn calves (or lambs or goats) specially treated to form a fine writing surface on both sides. Valued for producing durable copies of important texts. Most biblical codices of the 4th- 6th c. CE are on top grade vellum. The increased demand for books after 600 CE led to the substitution of lower grade leathers from older animals.

Other On-line Resources:

  • Vellum - dictionary article from Bookbinding & the Conservation of Books (Stanford U).

  • Vellum & Parchment - brief article on fine points distinguishing calligraphy materials (Canadian Bookbinders & Book Artists Guild).

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last revised 13 April 2008

 

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