Art of the Marbler

[@honeyskyeable]

I am the granddaughter of William Chapman and we (the family) never knew this film existed until I googled his name and this came up. We are all so proud of him and his work. Unfortunately he passed away just over 3 years ago at the grand age of 98. He had a long and happy life and marriage which he shared with my nanna for over 70 years. He is very much missed by all of us , so this little film has made us so happy.

[@hetverhaalvandewasbeer]

Wow, that's amazing. Can't imagine how glad you must be to find this film of him doing what he's amazing at!

[@siggiarent]

+Heather Cavill Hello Heather, I am an artist from Iceland and I just wanted to tell you that your grandfather's art still inspires!

[@TheducksOrg]

+Heather Cavill On Facebook at facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=735768923217934&id=422449557920451, the gentleman who was the apprentice in this video refers to your grandfather as "probably the foremost marbler of the 20th century." :)

[@honeyskyeable]

+Sigurður Jónsson I'm so glad he inspires you. He really was a wonderful man

[@djsolomon]

Your grandfather was a remarkable artist ! Watching him work magic is awe inspiring!

[@pamelakounougakis5589]

My sister, my brother and I are the children of William Chapman, the marbler in this demonstration video. His grandaughter, Heather discovered this amazing record of our fathers skills and craftsmanship. We are all nearing retirement and treasure this remarkable archive as part of our family's heritage to be shown to future generations. Many thanks to the Bedfordshire Archives from our family for releasing this previously hidden gem for all to see and appreciate.

[@peterrogers1206]

I owe a lot to your father,he was a patient tutor in my early days at the Cockerell Bindery and I will always remember the many years we worked together until he retired.

[@mrkeller82]

Was he the young man in the video or the older master? I'm interested in what happened the apprentice? Was he able to make it his lives work or did demand dry up too soon?

[@peterrogers1206]

I am the apprentice in the film.A search of the Internet will give you the address and contact number for Cockerell Marbled Papers.If you contact me I can give you any information you require.

[@mrkeller82]

Fantastic! Thank you. Who would have thought back when this was filmed, that it'd be living on the internet in 2014?!

[@sleepydrJ]

It would be so valuable if one of you next-generation marblers were to make a demonstration video to help preserve and promote this art. It is hard to find really professional demonstrations. The best books appear to be out of print and are very pricy. I hope you'd consider doing this.

[@peterrogers1206]

I am the 17 year old apprentice who appears in this video. I went on to produce these unique designs for a further 42 years until 2012 when I had to give up due to health problems.

[@Playaaa808]

proof?

[@pcross84]

Player808 Why would someone lie about doing this? What would they have to gain? Fame? Fortune? Not hardly... so I'd take his word on it.

[@GinHindew110]

yeah, as the pope i feel really offended over the lack of faith on internet people's identities

[@Kokorotatsu]

Peter Rogers do you know by any chance, the name of that top liquid , please. I wish to use it with fabric. And I know that liquid with seaweed exist in Japan, but can’t find it. Thank you

[@TheDeveer]

Look up hydro dipping, they use certain liquids

[@Lurker1979]

There is something about these 16mm documentaries that are kind of comforting.

[@jcdock]

It just has that feel of analog which has more of a warmth to it because it hasn't been processed

[@nick_pappagiorgio]

Old film like this still looks great. 👌 Old analog video on the other hand...

[@josephlucas502]

Uh, this video has certainly been processed. It's on youtube.

[@marquamfurniture]

hoObzeen -- Feel free to go to X-Tube.

[@trudydisher9539]

Yes, in that scene toward the end when the young women were doing conservation work on the books, I was hoping that the pretty one who smiled at the camera would start unbuttoning her blouse.

[@JFirn86Q]

Documentaries like this are so superior to modern ones. These teach you so much more and show the process so much more clearly.

[@leatheraccessories646]

wow! a film made more than 50 years ago that still delights in 2022, It's amazing how art, music, unites people no matter what country or continent Many thanks to the person who put this movie on youtube

[@ronniebillhicks]

I hope this tradition never dies, thanks for sharing'

[@TheKatKrow]

ngl I am obsessed with this video, I keep coming back for it every so often. Everything about it just works so well: the 70s colours, the voiceover, the slightly distorted music, the serious demeanour of the craftspeople, I love it. Thanks so much for posting this!

[@BluestockingMom]

Same. This is my third time coming back over the last year and a half.

[@kevin6468]

The antidote to watching TikTok maybe we have found.

[@Tinker1950]

It was a very pleasant surprise to find this short info film - it reminded me of the marbling and book binding courses I did in after school hours back in 1963/4. The strikingly bright and beautiful designs which could be quickly produced made me very proud of the beautiful bound books we produced. I have now retired to rural France - perhaps this is a hobby I could take up again?

[@vn9393vn]

Well done Bedfordshire Record Office [ 1970 ] for this gem. Who had the foresight to make a video recording of such immense and rare skill ? And what a source of utter joy and justifiable pride for both the descendents of the family and to the work colleagues and friends of Douglas Cockerell's marbling company. This video of pure craftsmanship has given me much pleasure and satisfaction. I can't remember how many times I have chosen to watch it. I just hope that there are more people in positions who can make such recordings now of wonderful skills and beautiful crafts that in 20 to 50 years time, no-one in this rapidly changing world will have known that such things existed. I recently asked about 15 photographic shops if they could print out some photos from some old negatives, a few on glass, and none of them could help me. They were all wrapped up in the digital explosion. Advances in technology should be welcomed but we should also look at the price we have to pay and to look after and preserve our rich creative heritage and older technologies before they are forgotten. Thank you Bedfordshire Record Office. And thank you Pamela, Heather and Peter. Incredibly beautiful. I do hope the Arts Council and others are doing a lot more to keep these skills and knowledge strong enough to be kept alive, vibrant and valued to be handed down to future generations.

[@kjamison5951]

Classic colours from the 70's! My Mum sewed the curtains for our local primary school and those browns, oranges, blacks and white were used... Memories... Thank you!

[@govindarajulu-kasturi9614]

Fantastic God bless all the Craftsmen and women who are dedicated to preserve these kinds of exclusive handicrafts Thanks Kasturi G

[@vondarkmoor1]

I think it really speaks volumes of the content of quality of the film, when despite its obvious age, it can keep such rapt attention from viewers. Such an interesting video!

[@kev5084]

well its now 2017 and i have know idea how i arrived at watching this short film, but as soon as it started i could not stop watching, absolutely amazing, i never knew thats how they made Marble paper, its true what they say, "you learn something new every day" a big thumbs up

[@Kataxu]

I did several of these in college. One of my favorite ways to create art.

[@gregodonnell9430]

I apprenticed at pinewood studios 25 years ago, we still use a similar technique to this day,a dying art but not forgotten,thank you for your craft,it is still applied too,to this day

[@TandanielderGeschichtenweber]

What a wonderful video (and the stories in the comments). It´s proofs, how timeless it is (still watching in 2020). Thank you for that.

[@BedfordshireArchives]

Hello John, no we don't have that video, we only have this one because we made it. My understanding is that the rake contraptions were to both increase productivity and precision for making the range of distinctive Cockerell patterns.

[@ebrusanati1927]

farklı motifler tedarik edebilirim size isterseniz

[@OloffMusic]

+Bedfordshire Archives Hi, do you know what the music in the intro is? Trying to find it for something I'm working on.

[@PonnorTheGalaxyDragon]

Yes thank you for this video this is amazing.

[@simonThen-Bergh]

A fascinating form of art. My father had his own bookbinding company in London and he started marbling leather skins and proceeding on to paper at a later date.

[@paulaclarke3421]

Thank you Bedfordshire Archives, watching this information film was a true joy. I am so glad you have these films - true treasures, keeping alive the memory of these skilled craftspeople.

[@pbjanonymous]

Not going to lie they had me in the first 2 minutes. I thought dang this an old video, but call me a hot potato if this didn't suck you in with the amazing designs and techniques. It just kept getting better by the second, and by the end I my mind was blown.

[@sycoa]

i did this in primary school, and totally forgot.. wow you just unlocked some memories amazing video.

[@ferocient]

I was just thinking the same thing when I saw your comment! However, we brought glass bottles from home, painted them white and then rolled them in a solution barrel of paint that we could swirl in any fashion we liked. God I loved that project and thought of it many times over the years!

[@jalmarimansikkainen5774]

One of the coolest things I have ever seen. At first i didn't thing much of it but when he stated to make the pattern I saw that true artisan was at work. The mind boggles

[@jenniferh.4038]

Jalmari Mansikkainen Watch water marbling nail art. Its very interesting and satisfying, especially by "My Simple Little Pleasures". Simplynailogical is very funny but she is not good (at all) at doing these. :)

[@marlettechilds1971]

WOW!!! I stumbled across this at 4 AM. when I couldn't sleep. This is a beautiful and a blast from the past. I remember seeing the books with the marbling on the covers An extremely skilled and talented career choice. B-)

[@EleanorCharlotte8855]

No one seems to be too tired to work on and study than the real people with that willingness to devote themselves and their lives here, believe it or not that's what only you want to believe so one'd better shut himself up before he has to shut up upon realising that he wasn't the top apprenctice in the field in his entire lifetime. They were probably wide awake till 4 AM doing their own work so respect their workmanship if you're incapable of anything achived, even a blot of passion that makes you exceed your maximum capacity. Art is the legacy of time and patience. No one can say that except for these kinds of people with the same experiences who have the same passion and know what inspires their life

[@FinleyZero]

Not sure if it's due to the general britishness, the subject material or the music used, but this has got to be one of the most charming videos on KZbin, hands down. Not sure how I ended up here, but I'm glad I stayed. :P

[@racketman2u]

+Finley Zero same here - maybe some eerie AI way of leading us to enlightenment?

[@deanontheinterwebs]

This film is (ever so slightly!) older than me, and so much to learn from, having just taken an interest in marbling. What wonderful skills preserved and shared across the world, thank you!

[@AlexReynard]

That was genuinely charming and informative.

[@eduardogsaezsilva1071]

Es que no puedo dejar de quedar perplejo, es bellísimo, muchas, pero muchas gracias por compartir algo tan interesante, y hermoso trabajo. saludos.

[@contractcrimson9477]

The type of music like in the intro paired with this grade of audio and visuals has always given me an uneasy feeling...like emptiness and loneliness, cold and distant. I wonder if anyone out there shares these feelings with me.

[@Lockbar]

Looks like a really fun and satisfying occupation. Being able to be so creative.

[@mvl9591]

At any moment I expected to see John Cleese sitting at a desk, "And now a housewife from Bolton painting a chicken."

[@TheMegaChuckles]

this video literally stopped me in my tracks, I found it absolutely brilliant and beautiful

[@peepiepo]

More like this please youtube. Though watching stuff like this I feel more and more that I was born too late.

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

none were born too late, for now they can experience the present as well as what came before. the past only seems better because people have a bias towards romanticising history. one should be grateful they are spared the horrors of the past yet are lucky enough to reap it's achievements.

[@the-chillian]

You weren't born too late. Although this particular book bindery is no longer in existence ( cool.conservation-us.org/byorg/abbey/an/an13/an13-8/an13-813.html ) this craft is still being practiced.

[@peepiepo]

Thanks. I was I suppose thinking of how common it was to get apprenticeships in crafts and things like this in times gone by more than anything

[@the-chillian]

Old Uncle Silas Less common now than it once was, of course, but you can find craftsmen doing things the old ways pretty much the world over.

[@chrismofer]

all you need is a bucket of water and some paints friend!

[@cathytalisman9227]

I love seeing this so much. Thank you to all artists and craftspeople in this recording.

[@chingizzhylkybayev8575]

Those patterns look sooo 70's.

[@luciatilyard2827]

Chingiz Zhylkybayev Well the film was made in the '70s, so they would, wouldn't they?

[@gregorygimigliano]

Chingiz Zhylkybayev Trippy

[@jonn7291]

I really enjoyed this video. Thanks a lot for posting it. Simpler times.

[@crhundermark6930]

Incredible video! It certainly makes one appreciate the marbled paper on a book cover - I never knew how intricate of a process this is.

[@1971bdott]

Wow pure craftsmanship. Just amazing. I guess this is still a required industry.

[@curtissplan3007]

A wonderful insight into the process and historical importance. Thank you for posting this!

[@giggles2302]

Modern nail artists have adopted this technique to make beautiful water marbling designs for fingernails, whether real or fake. Loved this video, fascinating. :)

[@EleanorCharlotte8855]

Looks like one saying 고이비또요.

[@DanielRenardAnimation]

Thank you, KZbin's new randomized algorithms. I've seen something _'old, but gold'_ today. I'm reminded how I wanted to learn this technique, or have it done for me but a company who were already doing this. _(like, for electric guitars, which I watched a video of, once)._ I wanted to make a suit of armor for a MMO convention, to make a real life replication of a personal favorite. Never got to, but eh, I'm not the convention-type anyhow, hah. 😋

[@AnwarHahjJeffersonGeorge]

You can get carageenan powder fairly cheaply on ebay or amazon, and you can get watercolor inks from art stores. I got a kit from dickblick.com, and I do it in regular kitchen cookie sheets. :)

[@DanielRenardAnimation]

Anwar Hahj Jefferson-George Thanks for the tip 🙂 Although I don't plan on trying it any time in a near future, as I already set myself up way too many projects currently, it would still be fun to try as a little side-hobby, some day. I have to plan those kind of things better ahead. I wanted to make something for Christmas a month ago, but the price-tag for the amount of a certain material made the project go from something done "just for fun", to being something that would require a bit more commitment than I was willing to dish out.

[@Radonatos]

+Anwar Hahj Jefferson-George > ... do it in regular kitchen cookie sheets Brilliant idea :)

[@luciatilyard2827]

Daniel Renard You can also use oil on water, (thinned oil paints).

[@scheupoe]

Thank you for Posting this! What wonderful knowledge.

[@pilotintraining2391]

My art teacher showed me this 4 years ago and this specific style of art and the technique used in the video is something that always impressed me

[@maralynturner1877]

What a wonderful film. I loved every minute!

[@GaiaCarney]

Thank you for sharing this! Paper arts, water colors

[@HeathenMaiden]

This was utterly satisfying, soothing and relaxing to both watch and listen to. Not only was it fascinating to see this lovely technique in action, but in combination with the lovely narrator it gave me major ASMR tingles. Thank you so much for the upload!

[@MJ-tx8jz]

So beautiful and relaxing to watch❤

[@y_fam_goeglyd]

Thank you for posting this :-D It takes me back to the "intermission" films on the BBC which would turn up, often after (or before of course) American shows which only lasted for about 45 minutes because of their tv advertising. It's lovely watching such an informative film and very relaxing for some reason.

[@florarix7091]

This is amazing to learn about. More businesses need to be like they were centuries ago. When someone was taken on to learn a trade and then continue to pass it down through the generations. These skills should never be lost. Multiple applications are seen here as to how this can be used.

[@MrAudienceMember2662015]

Beautiful art. Even the process is art.

[@Hyperionv2]

Thank you Bedfordshire Archives I didnt need to know how this was done but im happy i do now. Keep up this important task,I beg of you.

[@heatherthorn7226]

I absolutely love this....goes to show how much tradition we have lost to commercialization. Sad....

[@rich1051414]

Reminds me of my grandmother. I remember so many things she had that were covered in orange and brown marble patterns :)

[@passtheparcel2007]

Wonderful simple technique, full of inspired patterns and design........................

[@nicolasjochem1814]

Lovely craftsmanship!

[@andrewc.2952]

I have always loved this paper in older books. I'm glad to know more about the paper. I remembered reading about the process years ago but it makes all the difference to see the process in action. I do hope the business featured here is still in operation.

[@pucinella100]

Thank you for your message and the attention you brought to me. I have used this kind of paper for my personal use ,for 2 Note books. This kind of paper in France we call it Papier à la cuve, one sheet, one marbler design, only one exemplar

[@johndoe-rw6qt]

this was really awesome I cant wait to show my daughter!thanks

[@oilbay54]

It is an art from China. Starting from the 15th century it became the "national" art of both Ottoman and Safavid Empires. It is still very popular today in Turkey and there are lots of courses which teach art of "EBRU". Yes, it is called EBRU in Turkey and the most of the "pictures" obtained are just admirable. For example: yediiklimdergisi.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/31-%C3%82zden-ayd%C2%A6-n-ebru-aral%C2%A6-k-say%C2%A6-s%C2%A6-i+%C4%9Fin.jpg

[@vlw4165]

That looks like so much fun! Wish I could try it. Absolutely fascinating!

[@artbyvince]

Excellent video! Thank you for posting!

[@grumblekin]

Simply wonderful!

[@maximamoralesartistaplasti1832]

me gusto mucjo este video lo mire con mucha emocion no pence que era verdaderamente un arte pence que tan solo era una tecnica simple para estudiantes pero no es asi mis respetos a tan arfua labor como es el arte en el agua muchas felicidades

[@maxroman1198]

What a wonderful art!

[@Elidelu]

Thanks for this wonderful film, i really love it....

[@jasonantigua6825]

Very interesting,many thanks for taking the time and effort to upload this video :)

[@renzo7575]

Absolutely mesmerising!!

[@ssuuppeerrbbooyy]

That's a pretty complicated process to be using on a regular sheet paper. Though its still widely used today to dip paint different objects like helmets, car rims, bicycle frames etc.

[@pampabla8730]

yk

[@ChoppingtonOtter]

Fascinating and beautiful.

[@AminaNailiDarwiche]

Magnificent Art & Expertise ! :)))

[@EleanorCharlotte8855]

I love watching the process. I wonder what happens if I replace the water base with sparkling water. Can I have some different results of patterns? I guess the bubbles coming up from the bottom will make immediate patterns like concentric circles on the floating ink colours. It is really a feasible idea?

[@aaaaarrrrrggggghhhh]

i've seen this technique used today on stuff, just not on paper. this seems much more thought out and precise than what i'm used to. definitely thought the technique was new... this is so cool

[@robertklose2140]

Absolutely fascinating. Mesmerizing.

[@hardcoded]

Fractal beauty!

[@starduck2]

Quite superb! I feel so glad youtube can be used for such purposes like that!

[@KurtRichterCISSP]

Seems he died in 1987 at the ripe old age of 81. RIP master artist and conservationist Sydney Cockerell! cool.conservation-us.org/byorg/abbey/an/an12/an12-1/an12-102.html His father's book, "Bookbinding, and the Care of Books by Douglas Cockerell", is available for free on Project Gutenberg! www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/26672

[@brandysigmon9066]

No, he died about 3years ago at age 98

[@brandysigmon9066]

I meant 5 yrs ago

[@brandysigmon9066]

Sorry, we are talking about two different people.

[@russelltalker]

Brown and orange must have been big in the 70s

[@RicAdbur]

+Russel Walker Dude any time you see 70s anything it's almost always beige, brown, and/or burnt orange.

[@blanchae]

+Russel Walker In our living room in the 70s, we had bright orange carpet with a bright blue couch and a mauve armchair.

[@tracyslonebilling728]

+Russel Walker Brown, orange, yellow and avocado green are the colors of my childhood. Definitely big in the 70s.

[@nexioseptimus5099]

+Russel Walker The 1870s. Many of these designs are made to repair specific books made back then, so the color scheme needs to match the existing/historical marbling. (The palette I remember from the 1970s is avocado green, lemon yellow, and a shade of orange that was literally depressing to look at.)

[@loomenate]

+Russel Walker it looks really cool though

[@cshubs]

I watched the whole thing, and it was great.

[@jackipage4496]

Wonderful. I have marbled with children, using the free swirl technique, and it's as near to magic as you can get!

[@jinyshow9609]

Amazing video good so beautiful Thank you so much for sharing.🤗🌹👌🏻

[@sallymay3643]

That is crazy cool I love it.☆

[@larissadon789]

Fantastic video :)) I am intrigued by the rake contraptions. Marbleous indeed.

[@rupertdickinson1291]

Totally absorbing (and that's not just the paper). Well done Bedfordshire County Council :) You are still not forgiven for Luton though.

[@EleanorCharlotte8855]

That looked like the marbling patterns of inferior oolite to me

[@LaBelleFiche]

Hi Friends on the Lime Green Couch! Isn't this a fascinating film? Thanks Kate!

[@Pooky-Cat]

Hello Cathi, yes you're right💕. Pass the humbugs along👵.

[@Kelly_C]

easily the third most interesting thing to come out of bedfordshire maybe second depends how much you like john oliver

[@filmpjesman1]

Kelly Corless What is the other thing besides this and John Oliver?

[@seanwatts8342]

Marbled paper has more character than John Oliver.

[@thinklikeido]

I wondered how they did that, beautiful!

[@Traderjoe]

Stunning patterns!

[@everlast2658]

FANTASTIC IN A WORLD OF MASS PRODUCED JUNK

[@minutepics9851]

Fabulous little film.Of its time, but very informative.

[@JJMedusa]

This is fascinating! Thank you for sharing this!

[@kaltagg6721]

I had no idea marbling was so cool!

[@Nagidal146]

Why aren't today's documentary films made like this one? This is good.

[@Ravaxr]

Some say that attention spans nowadays are comparable to that of a gnat. I'm really annoyed by TV now. I don't know if there is a single show that doesn't have 'dramatic_cymbal_rise_01.wav' a dozen times in a half hour. TV, you've been good before. You made Burke's Connections. Why has it gotten so bad?

[@brianfitzsimmons1686]

What a wonderful revelation! Brianfitzs.

[@Godshole]

I wonder if that apprentice still practices the art. Beautiful. The dyes and inks available now must be inspiring to someone with these skills. It reminds me that I have a guitar I would quite like to use this technique on, I think someone else mentioned this too. Some thing for a sunny say I think :)

[@CraftDraft]

So stunning - I am a marbler from Morocco and this is just so satisfying :) what is the name of the music please ? Cheers

[@salvatoreshiggerino6810]

Fascinating. Although I never really reflected much on it, I assumed it was some kind of etching and printing process.

[@loshan1212]

I want to see this company today.

[@MyEarHz]

+Loshan T Production ceased in 2012. They have a page on Facebook, but that seems to be all they have going now.

[@boopeep9670]

+MyEarHz that's a shame. Such beautiful craftsmanship and to be able to reproduce a pattern is astounding. I really enjoyed this video. Thank you.

[@MyEarHz]

I saw some paper offered in a post on Fb a few days back so there is still a bit floating about.

[@bella-bee]

The original firm has closed, sadly

[@one-for-sorrow]

Look around you, just look around you.

[@charlessale409]

+Adam A Mandelbrot Exaaaactly what I was thinking.

[@rahwayelectric]

Have you worked out what we're looking for?

[@leocurious9919]

And.... then what...?

[@Leonards-leopard]

write that down in your copybooks

[@michellecowell7183]

Craftsmanship at it's finest xx Michelle UK

[@tony1961chl]

Hermoso trabajo, pero qué tipo de tintura usan? y qué tipo de papel para que quede adherida la pintura en forma instantanea? y el agua, es el agua corriente ? o agua sin cloro, gracias.