Journal 3 - Chapters 5-8

Watermarks were used in Italy by 1282. The origin of watermarks is not known.

The most common type of watermark can be seen when the paper is held up to the light. The watermark is created by a raised design on the mold.

The “shaded” watermark is rarer. There is a depression in the sheet mold wire, which results in a greater density of fibers. There is a shaded, or darker, design when held up to a light.

Watermarks can be used to identify the manufacturer or the grade of paper.

Watermarks can be used to detect and prevent counterfeiting and forgery. Some currency has a watermark to prevent counterfeiting. When I deposit my paycheck, the scanned image shows “VOID” all over the check to prevent copying.

Sources: Meggs’ History of Graphic Design, Merriam Webster, Encyclopedia Britannica.

Journal 2 - Chapters 1-4

Celtic design has been an interest of mine for a long time. So naturally I enjoyed reading the chapter on illuminated manuscripts. I have several books on the subject of Celtic design, which I will discuss here.

The Book of Kells published by Studio Edition London is a book that I picked up when I was abroad. It illustrates plates from the book and describes their significance. My favorite one is the incarnation initial. It is the finest example of calligraphy and shows all varieties of design in Celtic art.

Celtic Design: Knotwork - The Secret Method of the Scribes by Aidan Meehan gives a step-by-step visualization of how to draw the elaborate knot designs. This is one book in a series of books about Celtic design. The knotwork patterns can be used in jewelry and in craftwork.

Celtic Design: A Sourcebook of Patterns and Motifs by Iain Zaczek illustrates Interlacing & Knotwork, Spirals & Circles, Calligraphy, Geometric Designs, Figurative Designs, Jewelry, Artifacts, and Stonework. The designs in this book can be an inspiration for artists, designers, and art historians. I particularly like the calligraphy, specifically the big initial letters in the Celtic manuscripts.