Join us for the Reception of Historica l Paper Marbling on Friday\, September 11 from 5:00 - 6:30PM. Artist remarks will begin at 5:45PM.
\nHistorical Paper Marbling\, a collection of marbled paper created \;by local bookbinder and PTL's own Circulation Manager\, Nik Beauchemin\, will be on view from Wednesday \, August 5 through Wednesday\, September 30. \;
\nThis exhibiti on explores historical marbled paper designs\, common patterns often seen in 18th and 19th century books\, as well as contemporary marbling practice s and techniques throughout the ages.
\nNik Beauchemin \;discove red paper marbling during their tenure at North Bennet Street School and h as been making paper for the last 12 years. Only recently have they gotten into historical replications\, as hand marbled papers have become difficu lt to find in the United States. Typically\, bookbinders would outsource d esign elements like paper marbling or edge gilding to other tradespeople\, but in the modern era\, many bookbinders have taken on these tasks themse lves.
\nEvery piece of marbled paper is completely unique\, and the satisfaction of knowing that designs can be repeated\, but never truly rec reated\, is a driving factor in \;Nik's interest in this art form. Unt il the paper is in a frame or in a book\, you never truly know what it wil l look like\, a process that Nik finds thrilling. \;
\nA bout Marbled Paper:
\nFrom traditional Turkish Ebru designs and Historical 18th Century endpapers to eclectic modern acrylics\, paper marbling is an art form that has captured the eyes and hearts of humans f or almost as long as paper has existed.
\nA slow\, meditative proces s in which paint is applied in a layer on top of a special bath of carrage enan\, the marbled design is then "pulled" by laying a piece of specially treated paper or leather on top and transferring the paint from the surfac e of the water to the paper.
\nMarbled designs can be achieved throu gh the use of modern acrylic paints\, though to yield the best results and some of the most iconic designs\, many modern paper marblers grind their own pigments\, just as traditional marblers used to do\, to achieve stunni ng results. These papers were highly sought after and most often used in s pecial editions\, religious texts\, family histories or other highly impor tant books of the time\, and are now still highly prized for restorations\ , replicas\, and simply as art pieces.
\nAbout the Artist:
\nNik \;Beauchemin (they/them) attended the North Bennet Street School&rsquo\;s full-time bookbinding program in 2014\, though the y have been making books their whole life. It began with a lifelong love o f books and reading\, which led to making \;paste paper journals in hi gh school (paste paper being another method of paper decorating with both historical and modern applications to bookbinding)\, and eventually culmin ated in going back to school for bookbinding and book repair as well as pu rsuing a job at the Peterborough Town Library.
\nNik \;has taugh t several bookbinding and repair workshops\, to artists and library profes sionals\, and is generally happiest with a fresh journal and a new book to read. You can always find them at the desk at the Peterborough Town Libra ry willing to talk about books and paper with you! \;
\nThis program is free and open to all. Please note that library parking is not guaranteed. Patrons who are able are encouraged to take advantage of P eterborough&rsquo\;s walkable downtown by parking in the Depot Square or R iverwalk lots. \; \;
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