Dyeing parchment

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Rick Cavasin has been successfully exploring medieval methodology in
his parchment-making for over 5 years.  With increased requests for
dyed parchments, he's been widening his research into natural
dyestuffs which were applied to parchment/vellum.  Since the bulk of
my dye experience is in textiles, I've lent him sources, but am
unfamiliar with the chemistry of leather + dye.  One of the stuffs I
supplied him with was a lichen species which was "fermented" in
ammonia, with frequent aeration.  It yields a very attractive
cranberry-red on the parchment (a garnet shade on wool).  So far the
colour is proving light-fast.  The question arises, though,
concerning pH levels affecting the skins, from the application of
the ammonia-based dye.

If anyone has experience in this area, or can suggest a reading
source (particularly if it pertains to the medieval era), Rick would
appreciate hearing from them.  Thanks for your time,

Norah Shrubb
Gryphonwerks Studios

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:32
                Distributed: Friday, September 27, 1996
                       Message Id: cdl-10-32-019
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