stormont marble
A marble pattern developed in the late 18th
century and one especially identified with English
bookbinding (sometimes being called the "English
stormont"). Its distinctive feature is the red
vein running through a network of slaty blue.
Indigo is especially suitable for this pattern
because of the absence of any pasty or sticky
quality to it. Instead of the usual oxgall, a
small amount of turpentine is added to the blue,
which causes the color to break up into a fine
network of lacy spots. Because the turpentine
evaporates rapidly, the marbler must handle the
colors quickly, keeping them stirred constantly.
The name "stormont" applies to all colors mixed
with turpentine, which may be used in combination
with a French or shell color. The pattern is
usually produced on a size of gum tragacanth and
flea seed. (217 ,
368 )
![[CoOL]](/icons/sm_cool.gif){kind=icon}