How Animal Hides Are Made Into Parchment At The Last Workshop In The US | Still Standing

Summary

Jesse Meyer’s Pergamena in Montgomery, New York, is one of the last remaining producers of parchment, a craft dating back to 2500 BC. The labor-intensive process involves soaking animal skins, dehairing, and refining them into high-quality parchment. With a rich history, parchment was essential for documents like the Dead Sea Scrolls but became nearly obsolete after the invention of paper. Jesse revitalized his family’s tannery by reintroducing parchment making, catering to conservators and designers who value its unique artistry. Committed to preserving this ancient craft, he hopes to pass it on to future generations, maintaining a legacy that has endured for over 450 years.

Takeaways

• 📝 Parchment is an ancient form of paper made from animal skin, dating back to 2500 BC.
• 🐐 The last parchment-making facility in the U.S. is run by Jesse Meyer in Montgomery, New York.
• ⏳ The parchment-making process takes at least two weeks and involves multiple steps, including dehairing and dyeing.
• 🛠️ Jesse uses both traditional hand tools and machines, having even recreated some tools himself.
• 🎨 Plant-based pigments are used to dye the skins, allowing for a variety of colors.
• 📜 Parchment was historically used for significant documents like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Magna Carta.
• 📉 The rise of wood pulp paper in the 16th century led to a decline in the use of parchment.
• 🔍 Parchment is still valued by conservators for repairing and restoring old manuscripts.
• 🏭 Jesse Meyer adapted his family tannery business by incorporating parchment production to meet niche market demands.
• 💰 A single sheet of parchment starts at $100, emphasizing its artisanal nature and uniqueness.

Q & A

What is the primary material used to make parchment?

Parchment is primarily made from animal hides, such as goatskin, sheepskin, calfskin, and deerskin.

What is the historical significance of parchment?

Parchment dates back to 2500 BC and was used for important documents like the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Magna Carta. Its use peaked in the Middle Ages for manuscripts and book bindings.

How long does it typically take to make parchment?

The process of making parchment takes at least two weeks for each piece.

What steps are involved in the parchment-making process?

The steps include soaking the hides, dehairing, removing excess meat, rinsing, dyeing, stretching, drying, and sanding.

Why did Jesse Meyer decide to incorporate parchment making into his family's tannery business?

Jesse introduced parchment making in response to declining demand for leather, aiming to revitalize the family business.

What tools does Jesse Meyer use in the parchment-making process?

Jesse uses a variety of tools, including a 100-year-old wooden dehairing tool and a handmade medieval knife known as a lunellum.

How does Jesse ensure the quality of the parchment?

Jesse emphasizes manual involvement in the process, using hand tools and techniques to maintain better control over the quality of the final product.

What modern applications does parchment have?

Today, parchment is used in high-end furniture, decor, and by conservators for mending manuscripts and restoring historical documents.

What are some challenges Jesse faced in learning the craft of parchment making?

Jesse struggled to find resources on the parchment-making process, often relying on outdated medieval texts that were written in Latin.

What is the significance of the name change from Meyer and Sons to Pergamena?

The name change reflects the focus on parchment production, with 'Pergamena' meaning 'parchment' in Latin, symbolizing a commitment to this traditional craft.