When a paper mill dates back to the 15th Century and whose customers
have included Napoleon Bonaparte and Giorgio
de Chirico -- not to mention the reigning families of Europe
and the state mints of several countries -- you might
get a little curious as to why their paper is so special. Born on the
banks of the Pescia River of Italy, the Magnani Mill still produces a limited number of handmade papers at its ancient mill
known as "Le Carte". Wet Paint has offered Magnani's Pescia paper for some time, and now carries their handmade Velata and Vergata papers.
Pescia is a mouldmade, acid-free, 100% cotton sheet
that is very smooth. Softly surface sized and internally sized, this
is an all purpose printmaking sheet that is ideal for stone
lithography, etching, serigraph,
and offset printing. It's also great for pastel and
charcoal, and is available in three colors -- white, cream and a beautiful
light blue.
The Velata paper is a luxurious 100% cotton handmade
sheet. Surrounded by four natural deckles, Velata has a slightly textured
wove finish and is available in white and ivory. Acid-free and weighted
at 270gsm, this paper is ideal for limited edition printing -- it works wonderfully as an etching and lithography paper -- as well as for pastel and charcoal.
The Vergata sheets we carry are similar to the Velata paper, only it
has a subtle laid finish. At 130gsm, the Vergata is perfect for limited
edition books.
So the next time you happen to be looking for a drawing or printmaking paper produced by a mill with a few
centuries of experience under its belt, ask to see the Magnani Pescia, Velata and Vergata sheets!
Napoleon Bonaparte,
pictured above, had Magnani provide the paper for the announcement of
his wedding with Maria Luisa d'Austria, er, not pictured above. Napoleon
liked the paper produced at the Magnani mill -- perhaps you will, too.
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