Second Meeting with Twyman and Gathering of the Ephemera Society

Michael and I spent the morning examining the large prints in the map drawers, marking those I wished to study further during my stay. They are truly remarkable, some measuring nearly 80 cm. Michael drew attention to a set of watercolour reproductions, which he suggested might be helpful in my identification process.

We discussed my research methods. He advised that, in the long term, it would be essential for me to concentrate on the output of a single printer in Brazil – a focus I have already begun to pursue. He kindly shared further materials from his personal cataloguing files to help me navigate the collection more effectively throughout my research.

We examined the Album of Colour Printing – of which the archive holds two copies – by Alf Cooke, 'chromolithographer to the Queen’, who claimed in 1885 to have owned one of the largest lithographic houses in the world. 

Another interesting piece was a crayon-drawn papier-mache plate from 1882. I inquired about how printing was achieved on the plate’s curved surface. Michael believes the impression was made while flat, then moulded into form, and finally coated with a finish to enhance its refinement.

Before we parted, he asked whether I was familiar with all the techniques employed in chromolithography for identification purposes. He mentioned Tinted Lithography – one of the most elusive to detect – and reminded me that any doubt should be resolved through consultation with his 1970 publication. We said our goodbyes and took a few photographs together.

  

In the afternoon, the Ephemera Society hosted a gathering for visiting researchers. Dr Emma Minns gave a charming collection presentation, highlighting the Maurice Rickards holdings and pointing out several 19th-century pieces, including flea circus posters, Siamese sisters, and prodigious pets notices.

 

Afterwards, Prof. Sue Walker introduced us to the recently reopened printing studio, which now houses a range of historic presses, including a huge model of Senefelder's press.