vellumrelated

Vellumrelated is an umbrella term used in archaeology, manuscript studies, book arts, and conservation to describe anything pertaining to vellum, a high-quality writing surface traditionally made from the skins of young or adult animals such as calves, lambs, or kids. The term is not widely used as a standalone topic but appears in cataloging, scholarly writing, and collection descriptions to indicate material-specific considerations.

Origin and terminology: Vellum historically referred to calfskin, though in some regions the term covered parchment from various animals. Parchment is a broader term for prepared animal skins; modern usage often distinguishes vellum as calfskin-based material with particular preparation. In contemporary craft, 'vellum' and 'parchment' are sometimes used interchangeably, though practitioners may insist on a distinction by source and treatment.

Production and characteristics: Traditional vellum is produced by cleaning, liming, dehairing, stretching, and drying the skin under tension, followed by surface finishing to accept ink and pigments. The surface can be sized with gelatin, egg white, or other binders; the resulting material can be very durable, with a soft, warm tone and a distinctive translucence or toothiness depending on preparation.

Historical and modern use: Vellum was a primary writing surface in medieval Europe for manuscripts, illuminated codices, charters, and legal instruments due to its strength and longevity. Today, vellum is still used by bookbinders, calligraphers, and conservators. In conservation, vellum requires careful environmental control, handling, and humidity management to prevent warping or embrittlement.

Related issues: A modern term, 'vellum paper,' refers to translucent writing or drawing paper and is different from vellum parchment used in bookmaking. See also parchment, parchment conservation, and codicology for related topics.