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Paper from Flax
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Paper from Flax
Making paper from flax (linen) in 19th century France
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Media ID 585694
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10190385
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image transports us back to 19th century France, where the artisanal craft of paper-making from flax, or linen, unfolds. The photograph showcases a meticulous process that was once an integral part of France's rich historical heritage. The scene is set in a rustic workshop, where sunlight filters through the windows, casting long shadows on the worn wooden floor. A skilled craftsman stands at the heart of the room, intently focused on the task at hand. He expertly manipulates the raw flax fibers, which have been retted, or soaked, to soften them, and then hackled, or combed, to separate the fibers. Surrounding the craftsman are piles of flax bundles, waiting to be processed, and baskets filled with the fine, silky fibers that have been prepared for papermaking. The room is filled with the aroma of damp flax and the soothing sound of water gently flowing from a nearby basin. In the foreground, a large papermaking vat is filled with a pulp made from the flax fibers. The craftsman carefully pours the pulp onto a screen, allowing the water to drain away, leaving behind a thin layer of paper. He then smooths the paper with a wooden tool, meticulously removing any air bubbles and imperfections. This labor-intensive process was once a significant industry in France, with paper mills scattered throughout the country, particularly in regions known for their flax cultivation. However, with the advent of industrialization and the mass production of paper from wood pulp, the art of making paper from flax all but disappeared. Today, this photograph serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era, when the creation of paper was a deeply personal and intricate craft, carried out by skilled artisans in the quiet seclusion of their workshops.
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