Telephone - UK: 01908 610038 Worldwide: 0044 1908 610038Fax: 01908 611071Email: enquiries@williamcowley.co.uk

Calfskin Vellum product options

Manuscript Vellum
Kelmscott Vellum
Classic Calfskin Vellum
Natural Calfskin Vellum
Transparent Calfskin Vellum
Alum Tawed
Cloudy Calfskin Vellum (Drumheads)

Manuscript Vellum 

Manuscript vellum is the finest of all writing materials. White/light cream in colour and  prepared for use on both sides, Manuscript Vellum is available in four grades or depth of finish  depending on the intended use or individual preference. The surface is abraded to raise a nap or key providing a velvety writing surface.

‘Finish 1’ is not abraded and generally favoured by Painters and Botanical Artists. Calligraphers primarily use Finishes 2, 3 & 4 which are progressively coarser. If you are not familiar with these products please ring us for further advice before ordering. We also have a ‘Calligraphy Introductory Pack’ and smaller ‘Sample Packs’ available for new customers which include a variety of products and finishes. See Calligraphy and Illumination or Painting and Heraldry

Kelmscott Vellum

Kelmscott is manuscript calfskin vellum prepared with a specialist organic coating. Although this coating changes the appearance and properties of the manuscript, none of the Vellum’s unique luminosity is lost.  Kelmscott is perhaps the ultimate medium for Botanical Artists and Water Colour Painters. A very forgiving surface due to the ease of erasure, done by simply scraping away a top layer of the coating with a knife; so quite suitable for the less experienced. See Painting and Heraldry

Natural Calfskin Vellum  

These attractive Natural Calfskin Vellums have real appeal with each showing a large degree of individual character. The unique variation of each skin’s natural features and light to dark cream pigmentation will always capture one’s interest. Natural vellum offers a distinctive look for use in painting, bookbinding, and the covering of wall panels and furniture. It also makes fine drumheads. Prepared for use on one side only.

Classic Calfskin Vellum 

Classic Calfskin Vellum is made in the same way as the Natural version being prepared for use on one side only. However our Classic Vellum is bleached during the manufacturing process resulting in the classic creamy white colour widely associated with this vellum. Attractive, subtle variations in surface tone and character will be seen within each skin, and from one skin to another. Frequently used for painting, bookbinding, and the covering of wall panels and furniture.

Transparent Calfskin Vellum

For bookbinding we are able to make Transparent Vellum to order. This vellum is made with the same raw material and process as the other calf vellums but with additional techniques employed to produce the remarkable transparency.

Alum Tawed

For bookbinding we are able to make Alum Tawed leather to order. Again we use the same raw material but the process is very different to true vellum or indeed true leather production methods. Nevertheless the Alum Tawed possesses the same exceptional archival qualities and phenomenal strength.

Cloudy Calfskin Vellum (Drumheads)

One of the darker vellums with character, popular for traditional drumheads, because the sound produced by a calfskin or goatskin drumhead is noticeably superior in tone and resonance to contemporary plastic heads. Used for top quality heads including Bodhran, Timpani, Snare, Batter Heads and Bongo heads plus Banjo heads and Tambourines. We can supply Drumheads directly to individuals, cut to size and ready to re-lap around an existing hoop, or in the case of Bodhrans, re-pinned to the drum rim. See Drumheads page for more information.