Negafake erasing pencils.
T. S. Bruce
Category
Photographic technology
Date
1908
Materials
Carborundum
Measurements
5 mm (Width) x 6 mm (Depth); 70 mm (Length)
Place of origin
Hampstead
Order this imageCollection
Fox Talbot Museum, Wiltshire
NT 1525112.3
Summary
Negafake erasing pencils. Two different types of sticks of abrasive material ("erasing pencils"), some of which have broken into pieces, and some which have been sharpened to a rough point. Used to rub down negatives to reduce density. There are two degrees of hardness and the pencils are used with either lubricating medium No.1 or No.2 (see Inv. No. 1525112.4 and 1525112.5). The lubricating mediums can be used with either pencil, for different effects; No. 1 for softer work, and No. 2 for more energetic and quicker finishing. Four degrees of retouching can be achieved by varying the combination of the pencils and lubricants. Even when used with some force, the pencils would never scratch the negative, but just rubbed away the density gently and gradually. The pencils are made of an extremely fine abrasive, such as carborundum powder.
Provenance
Part of the Fenton Collection. A gift from British Film Institute in 2017. From 1986-1999, part of BFI collection for the Museum of the Moving Image. BFI purchased collection in 1986 from James Fenton's Museum of Photography, Port Erin, Isle of Man 1976-1986.
Makers and roles
T. S. Bruce, manufacturer