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What is a Lithograph?


Lithography or printing on stone (lithos - Greek for stone) was invented in 1798 by the Czech, Aloys Senefelder.
This is a surface or planographic method of printing and relies upon the the principle that water and oil do not mix.
A drawing is made on limestone using a greasy crayon or pencil, the stone is then treated with acid,
gum arabic and water so that when ink is applied from a roller it adheres to the drawing but is
repelled by the remainder of the stone. With a moist stone and regular in supply an almost unlimited
quantity of prints can be produced. The handling of large slabs of limestone and the use of a chain hoist to
locate the larger specimens on to the press made this technique somewhat labour intensive.
To see an example click here.

A Chromolithograph is produced by the method above but using many dozens of tint stones
to apply the different inks. Each individual stone has to be properly aligned so as to register
with the previous ones, and is a technical feat in its self. This method of printing produces a
wonderful tonal quality and subtle colouring which is very difficult to reproduce with
modern printing techniques.
To see an example click here.

See also Engraving and Etchings

Bibliography: British Prints, Dictionary and Price Guide by Ian Mackenzie. Looking at Old Prints and Maps by John Booth.

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