Pompeii

Paul Taylor’s work with photography spans nearly two decades. He began experimenting with the photogravure process in 1978 and is today one of perhaps five recognized masters of the technique.

Photogravure is one of the most beautiful, difficult, time consuming, and misunderstood methods of producing limited edition photographic or drawn images as fine prints. The technique originated in the late 1800’s and technically has changed little since. Photogravure is an intaglio process which produces either photographic or drawn images printed as aquatints. The process: A copper plate is dusted with either asphaltum or rosin and heated to affix the powder to the plate. A photographic film positive or drawn transparency is contact printed to a sheet of specially prepared carbon tissue. The tissue is adhered to the copper plate and developed in water, transferring the image to the plate. The plate is then etched in a sequence of acid baths creating pits of varying depths which hold ink during printing. Gravures are inked and wiped by hand and printed on an etching press in much the same manner as etchings are printed.