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| Vatman, coucher, layer at work in papermaking |
Papermaking: The coucher (back turned in image) inverted the pulp-filled mould handed to him by
the vatman (at left in image), and pressed it with a rocking motion against a damp woolen felt.
The action transferred the fresh sheet of sodden paper, smooth and unwrinkled, to the surface of the felt.
The coucher handed the empty mould back to the vatman, receiving another mould and sheet.
Having covered the first sheet of paper with a another damp felt, he rolled the second sheet off the mould. The routine built up a repeated sandwich, or “post,” of fresh sheets interleaved with felts.
Comprehensive online article on European papermaking techniques from 1300 to 1800.
The action transferred the fresh sheet of sodden paper, smooth and unwrinkled, to the surface of the felt.
The coucher handed the empty mould back to the vatman, receiving another mould and sheet.
Having covered the first sheet of paper with a another damp felt, he rolled the second sheet off the mould. The routine built up a repeated sandwich, or “post,” of fresh sheets interleaved with felts.
Comprehensive online article on European papermaking techniques from 1300 to 1800.
