Ep 26. Vellum Maker

In Dirty Jobs season 4 episode 26, viewers are taken on a journey to witness firsthand the art of Vellum Making. Host Mike Rowe learns about the intricate process of turning animal hides into parchment - a material that has been used for centuries to create books, maps and other important documents.

The episode begins with Mike visiting the workshop of a vellum maker who has been practicing the craft for over 25 years. The maker shows Mike how to prepare the hides by soaking and stretching them, then removing any leftover hair or flesh. After the hides are properly prepared, the maker demonstrates how to scrape them down to the desired thickness using a sharp knife.

Mike is amazed at the amount of skill and patience required to complete the scraping process, which can take several hours. The vellum maker explains that the thickness of the material varies depending on what it will be used for, and that a single hide can sometimes yield multiple sheets of parchment.

Next, Mike watches as the maker meticulously stretches the parchment onto a frame, known as a "stretcher". This is a crucial step in the process, as it ensures that the parchment will dry flat and smooth. Once the parchment is secured to the stretcher, it is left to dry for several days.

After the parchment is dry, the maker demonstrates how to finish it by sanding it down with a special sandpaper-like tool. This gives the parchment a smooth, consistent texture that is perfect for writing or drawing on.

Throughout the episode, Mike is struck by the unique blend of science and artistry that goes into vellum making. He is fascinated by the amount of knowledge and experience required to create something so important and cherished.

As the episode draws to a close, Mike reflects on the significance of vellum in human history. He notes that before the invention of paper, parchment was the material of choice for recording important information. It was used to create everything from religious texts to scientific research, and played a critical role in preserving knowledge and culture throughout the ages.

Ultimately, the episode offers viewers a glimpse into a little-known but incredibly important craft. It showcases the talent and hard work of vellum makers, and serves as a reminder of the value of preserving ancient traditions and techniques.