Pen and Ink Drawing reproduced by
Photo-lithography.
Pen and Ink Drawing, reproduced by process block.
(Same size.)
Mr. Carl Hentschel, head of an eminent firm of photo-etchers, to whom we applied for information upon certain points in the manipulation of his process, courteously offered some very interesting statements as to the development of zinc etching. He says the process of Zinc Engraving was introduced into England about thirty years ago, but really did not “catch on,” as the Yankees would say, for twenty years after; nor was there any real value attached to it from a commercial point of view until about twelve years ago, when, as Mr. Hentschel assures us, the system he adopted rendered it possible to have blocks of all kinds for newspapers, books, magazines, and journals of every description produced in such time that their delivery could be relied upon for the most urgent publication, and, only then, the vast possibilities of the zinc process began to dawn upon publishers, and soon the method was gradually adopted for all purposes of engraving. Some idea of the extent to which it is made use of may be gathered from the fact that this firm alone delivers weekly about three thousand blocks for various publications throughout the country, and even to far-off India, where the plates of whole volumes of educational works have been despatched by this enterprising firm. To keep pace with the requirements of the times it has been found necessary recently to add largely to the facilities for the execution of half-tone blocks, using engine power to the extent of forty horse for the production of the electric light, essential for this branch of the business, so that in this respect they are practically independent of sunlight. In cases of emergency it is no unusual thing to deliver half-tone blocks in five to seven hours, and Line work, from transfers, one and half hours, and in the case of having to photo the subject, two and half to three hours. This would have been impossible under the old system, trusting to daylight, and this fact, coupled with the cheaper rate of cost, has given an impetus to illustrated journalism that could hardly have been dreamt of under the old regime.
Pen and Ink Drawing, reproduced by process block.
Slightly reduced.
Under the head of photo-lithography, the initiatory stage in the making of what are termed “Process Blocks” was explained, namely, the making of photo-transfer from the original drawing—in printer’s ink—for transference to the lithographic stone and printed form. The metal Zinc possesses the same or similar properties as lithographic stone, and may be used to print from in the same way. The term Zincography is applied to the process, though practically it is the same as lithography.