About Animal Leather Parchment and Vellum
What is Animal Leather Parchment and Vellum?
The term "vellum" originates from the Latin word vitulus (meaning "calf") and its diminutive vitellus. Renowned for its durability and exceptional quality, vellum has been used for centuries to create archival documents. Many historical texts and Acts of Parliament remain intact today because they were crafted on vellum.
Parchment is made from animal Leather such as goat, sheep, calf, pig, buffalo, or even donkey skins. Unlike tanned leather, parchment undergoes a drying process without tanning. The production involves cleaning, oiling, greasing, and smoothing the skin. Once mounted in a drying frame, the surface is sanded with pumice stone. While wet, parchment can be stretched and shaped, but after drying, it becomes rigid and firm.
Is Parchment Leather?
The term "parchment leather" sparks debate. If "leather" refers to preserved animal skin, parchment qualifies. However, if "leather" implies irreversible tanning, parchment does not meet the definition. Regardless, both terms are commonly used to describe this historic material.
Why Goat Leather Parchment Endures
Vellum and parchment leather are far more durable than paper. Over the centuries, they have been used for religious and legal documents, as well as painting. In the UK, laws were traditionally written on parchment for their long-lasting nature. Sacred texts, such as Torah scrolls, are still inscribed on parchment in certain traditions.
Parchment played a significant role in European history, serving as a substrate for religious and secular writings until paper became widely available. Paper gained popularity after the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, as parchment was challenging to print on and more expensive to produce.
How is Goat Leather Parchment Made?
The crafting of vellum and parchment is a centuries-old art that remains largely unchanged today. Here’s how it’s done:
- Skin Selection: Only the best-quality hides—free of scars and defects—are chosen.
- Lime Soaking: The skins are soaked in lime and natural ingredients to loosen hair and prepare for cleaning.
- Hair Removal: A traditional tool called a "skud" is used to scrape away hair, lime, and fat.
- Stretching and Cleaning: Skins are tied to a robust frame, known as a "herse," where further cleaning and stretching occur.
- Scraping: Using a crescent-shaped knife (lunarium), the surface is scraped to remove imperfections and ensure smoothness.
- Smoothing: After drying, the skin is polished with pumice stone to create a refined texture.
- Chalking: A calcium carbonate wash whitens the surface, reduces porosity, and preps it for use.
- Cutting: Finally, skins are either cut to specific sizes or left whole and rolled.
Features of Finished Goat Leather Parchment
A prepared sheet has two distinct sides:
- Hair Side: Slightly darker and smoother.
- Flesh Side: Softer, lighter, and whiter.
Applications of Goat Leather Parchment
From sacred texts like Torah scrolls to high-tension material for bookbinding, goat leather parchment has transcended eras and cultures. Its unmatched durability and elegance make it a prized material for legal documents, artistic creations, and beyond.
Rediscover the timeless craftsmanship of Goat Leather Parchment for your projects today!
Explore Our Goat Leather Parchment and calf skin vellum Collection
Natural Goat Leather Parchment – Full Hide
Sourced from premium goat skin, our natural goat leather parchment full hides are perfect for a wide range of applications, including crafting, upholstery, and interior design. Their authentic texture and exceptional durability make them an ideal choice for high-quality projects.
White Goat Leather Parchment – Full Hide
When your project calls for a sleek, polished appearance, our white goat leather parchment full hides provide an elegant solution. These hides offer a smooth and refined finish while retaining the strength and versatility of traditional goatskin parchment.
Antique Goat Leather Parchment – Full Hide
Embrace a timeless aesthetic with our antique goat leather parchment full hides. Designed to replicate a vintage, weathered look, these hides are perfect for classic restorations and designs that require a touch of history and sophistication.
Custom-Cut Goat Leather Parchment Sheets
For precision-based projects, we provide custom-cut goat leather parchment sheets tailored to your specified dimensions. These sheets are an excellent option for smaller projects, helping to minimize waste while delivering the material you need.
Artistic Kits for Calligraphy and Painting
Explore your creativity with our specialized kits, which feature goatskin parchment and calf vellum sheets. These curated collections are designed for calligraphers, painters, and artists, ensuring premium-quality materials for outstanding results, whether you're a professional or a hobbyist.