India Proof Prints

Abstract

IntroductionThe following paper emerged from a lecture on the subject of India proof prints and the conservation problems they present. It became apparent that virtually no research has been done on the historical development of these prints and this report is the result of further investigation. It is not about the conservation of prints, and therefore contains no practical advice or guidance.Much of this article is a synthesis of information, which has come from many previously published sources. Some of these are not well known and I felt they contained extracts that were worth quoting in full. NoteFootnotes are identified by superior letters; bibliographical references by superior numerals. ORIGINS AND CHARACTER OF 'INDIA' PAPERS TerminologyMuch of the confusion over the origin and nature of India proof prints arises from the tangled and largely inaccurate terminology surrounding them.According to E. J. Labarre::':' lndiaproofpaper: sometimes abbreviated to India or Indian paper, thus causing confusion, is really China paper, seeing that the original quality still comes from there. It is of a straw colour. extremely soft and absorbent, unsized, adapts itself to the surface of a steel plate or wood, and soaks up a large quantity of ink without afterwards smearing. Also frequently called India transfer paper.