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Woodblock

mid 18th century (manufactured)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This woodblock is one of two blocks bequeathed to the Museum by a member of the Langley Print Works family firm. The print works were established by William Smith in the 1820s in Langley, a tiny hamlet two miles from the town of Macclesfield, Cheshire.

These blocks were made up of several layers of wood with the grain running in alternate directions to prevent warping. The printing surface is usually of lime or pear wood. The pattern is made by cutting away areas of wood or by adding metal pins to produce the design in relief. Brass pins are put into the corners to help align the pattern. Five or more blocks are usually needed to make a design complete.

Object details

Object type
Materials and techniques
Wood
Brief description
Wooden block for printing on silk, Langley Print Works, England (Sutton, Cheshire), mid 18th century
Physical description
Wooden block for printing on silk with floral motif.
Credit line
Bequeathed by Gary McAuliffe
Subjects depicted
Summary
This woodblock is one of two blocks bequeathed to the Museum by a member of the Langley Print Works family firm. The print works were established by William Smith in the 1820s in Langley, a tiny hamlet two miles from the town of Macclesfield, Cheshire.

These blocks were made up of several layers of wood with the grain running in alternate directions to prevent warping. The printing surface is usually of lime or pear wood. The pattern is made by cutting away areas of wood or by adding metal pins to produce the design in relief. Brass pins are put into the corners to help align the pattern. Five or more blocks are usually needed to make a design complete.
Associated object
Collection
Accession number
E.442-2003

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Record createdAugust 12, 2003
Record URL
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