Would you like to see the return of Velvet Stipple?

[Gary Holliday]

When I first became interested in photography, I studied the Ilford paper swatches and fell in love with their fibre based velvet stipple.

I printed my A level exam on this paper and though it had the most luxurious finish. Unfortunately there are so few paper finishes these days.

Perhaps Ilford will add this paper to the post receivership resurrection list!

 

[Keith Tapscott.]

I liked the older version of Ilford Multigrade FB in Velvet-Stipple for portraiture and Kentmere`s Fine-grain texture is near enough the same.
Another paper surface that I liked even more, was the Kentmere stipple which had a bit more texture than the Ilford surface. Kentmere Bromide and Kentona were available in stipple and Kenthene was also available in stipple, but not the Kentmere variable contrast emulsions unfortunately.
Yes I would like to see Velvet-Stipple back again.

 

[Bob Carnie]

Yes , Ilfomar velvet stipple my all time favorite paper

 

[Mick Fagan]

Shortly before my mother died in the early nineties, I photographed her and printed it on my last Ilford velvet stipple stock.

Today, people constantly ask what kind of paper is that, it's beautiful.

I too wish it was available but I fear it will never come back, that's the way it is.

Mick.

 

[Simon R Galley]

Dear All,

The velevet stipple base is no longer made by the base manufacturer, hence no more velvet stipple I am afraid. In case any of you ask why it cannot be made again, it could, but its about volumes you have to order, a minimum make is several hundred thousand sq mtrs per annum and you have to buy it all ensure mnfc, therefore from a business perspective it will not be viable.

Regards

Simon ILFORD Photo / HARMAN technology Limited :

 

[Gary Holliday]

Ilford statement:

Thank you for your enquiry. Unfortunately we cannot resurrect fibre based
velvet stipples papers as the base is no longer available.

Well there's no harm in asking.
http://www.ilfordphoto.com/products/newproductrequest.asp

Why are darkroom paper manufacturers at the mercy of the paper mills? Surely they can commision new paper bases? The future seems very dull if were are not going to be offered anything new.

 

[Gary Holliday]

Thanks for the reply Simon, I was typing just as you were posting.