The Art of Architectural Modelling in Paper

by T. A. Richardson

Dentils.—Model dentils in the same manner as previously described for brackets, cantilevers, &c.

Dome.—Whatever the shape of the dome you wish to model may be, a pattern on which to form it had best be turned in wood; this forms a basis upon which the paper casing may remain until dry, and then the mould may be removed. It has not been thought necessary within the limits of this work to include the development of the various shapes of domes and cupolas, the student being deemed master of this branch of science. If, however, he should not be, any work on practical geometry will supply his wants.

Doors.—A copious description of the manner of modelling doors is given in those described for the House, page [51], ante.

F.

Flutes.—In order to flute a column, we proceed thus: first roll the column up as before described, taking care to have it smaller than if plain, to allow the fluted piece to make up the required diameter; then prepare a piece of paper (one thickness will do), cut it of sufficient size to go once round the column, and join exactly; upon this piece carefully space or mark out the divisions of the flutings. Now procure a piece of soft straight-grained deal, perfectly free from knots, and with some blunt, round-headed instrument (one of the modelling tools, or a piece of ivory filed smooth,) indent the wood with a groove the exact length of the required flute, upon which (the paper having been previously damped only), press it into the wood groove all along the flute with the same tool the groove was made with, and so proceed with each in succession, gumming them to the column when dry.

H.

Hollows.—In forming hollows in mouldings, &c., if large, proceed as described under the head of Arch; if small, first cut by means of the “adjusting straight-edge,” an angle, thus, V; and then with a curved ivory tool give it the required concavity by pressure along the whole length of the previously cut angle.

Hood Mould.—These may be cut with the “knife-compass,” and the mouldings worked by fitting a piece of ivory filed to the required form in lieu of the knife; they must be slightly gummed upon the underside to the cutting-board, to keep them steady while being worked.

I.

Ironwork.—May be represented in either paper, tea-lead, thin sheet copper, or wire, depending on size and form; perhaps the easiest and best material for general purposes is tea-lead, i. e., the lead with which the tea chests are lined.