Hectograph Printing Demonstration

A hectograph is a prepared gelatin surface from which images can be pulled. Originally it was used in the early 1900's as a means of reproducing copies. Some people or their grandparents may remember them being used at schools. A special carbon paper or copy pencil was used on paper, and would be placed face down on the gelatin pad which would receive the pencil. When another sheet was placed down, the image/text would print and transfer from the gelatin. Today it can be used as surface to paint on with water based media, and pull monotypes without a press.

For the demonstration at Tyler School of Art, this large tray was filled with 20 gallons of gelatin.  The surface can be painted on with various media to create monotypes.  A sheet of Rives BFK was placed on the gelatin, and rubbed by hand to print

Scratching with a broom

The broom print

Workshop participants giving hectographs a try

An example of a hectograph print-rubber stamps were used on the gelatin surface for these prints

The demonstration presenter, Shelley Thortensten has more information on her website

http://www.printmakersopenforum.org/services

about hectograph, images, and recipes for making the gelatin pad.

I would love to play around with this medium, and offer a workshop in the near future.  Let me know if you'd like to give hectograph a try too!