[3]. The small hair dividers, with the adjusting screw, will be found extremely useful in modelling work.
CIRCULAR ARCHITRAVES.
K Keystone. R Radius. H L Horizontal line.
The circular architraves must be formed by cutting, with the little instrument previously described as a knife-compass (page [36]), circles of different diameters and thicknesses of paper suited to the mould to be represented; gum together while in the circle, as shown below, the horizontal divisional line being marked, and the radiating lines for the insertion of the keystones. When dry cut off by the divisional line, and then the segments, by the lines at each side of the keystone. The key must be of paper sufficiently thick to allow of the highest mould of the architrave abutting against it, and either left plain, cut diamond-wise, or carved, or any other way the fancy may suggest or the design demand.
The cantalivers in tower (fig. 7, page [61]) and main cornices (fig. 1, page [61]) to be worked by preparing paper the required thickness; then procuring a piece of very thin copper or lead, mark on it with considerable accuracy the design of the cantaliver, and cut it out; you will thus have prepared a mould or templet, which you can place upon the cardboard, and by running a hard pencil round it, mark each one precisely the same in size.
Any portions of the dressings, &c., having curves in them, had better be cut with knife No. 3[[4]]; in fact, this is the only shape of blade which will leave the edge of a curved line after cutting, what is technically called “sweet.”
[4]. In using this knife, care must be taken to hold it perfectly upright, nor lean it either to right or left.
The positions the cantalivers have to occupy along the cornice, must be checked along and regularly divided. Care must also be taken in gumming them in their places, as one out of place or leaning would immediately be detected by a correct eye, and mar completely the effect of the whole.
The architrave mould (fig. 3, page [61]) next demands our attention. It will from our former description be readily understood that all mouldings are formed by representing in paper of various thicknesses their several component parts. Thus, in the mould last named, we have first the groundwork of or thickness from A to B; another thickness, forming the sinking, from C to D; and finally, the mould, E to F. Square first, the required slant next cut from the edge, and lastly, the slant hollowed by means of one of the ivory moulding tools. The keystones and the blocks under the window sills are cut from paper the thickness required, then splayed down each way from the centre to the sides at one cut, and with a sharp knife. This operation must be performed with some dexterity, as it is important that the edges should be sharp and free from woolliness. This effect can only be obtained by giving one cut or slice in the direction required: for this purpose use knife No. 1, which will be found the best for this description of work. Some modellers use for this purpose a thin chisel with a keen edge; and of course all means in art are legitimate that produce the desired end; but we would recommend the use of the knife only, wherever possible, the modeller’s object being to work with as few tools as possible, and to trust much to his knife alone.
