Vellums are a type of high-quality parchment made from the skin of a calf, lamb, or other young animal. To create vellum, the skin is first stretched, scraped, and cleaned to remove any impurities. Then, it is soaked in a lime solution to further cleanse and soften the material. Once prepared, vellum becomes thin, smooth, and durable, making it ideal for writing or illustrating.
The use of vellum dates back to ancient times, with early civilizations valuing its exceptional qualities for important documents, manuscripts, and religious texts. Its durability and resistance to wear and tear provide an enduring medium for preserving and transmitting knowledge across generations.
Due to its superior characteristics, vellum has been highly regarded by calligraphers, artists, and bookmakers throughout history. Its smooth surface allows for precise and detailed lines, and its resistance to ink bleeding makes it ideal for intricate illustrations and lettering.
In modern times, the production and use of vellum have become less common, with more affordable and accessible alternatives taking its place. However, vellum remains a sought-after material for specialized applications, such as archival documents, legal deeds, or to recreate historical documents and artwork in a historically accurate manner.
Overall, vellums are exceptional parchment made from animal skin that has been processed and treated to become a durable and smooth material highly valued for its use in writing, illustrating, and preserving important texts and artwork.
