CART
A Fine Art Collectible Limited Edition 3D Facsimile
THE RECONSTRUCTION . . . of the 2016 prototype
Digitally disassembled . . . and cut by laser!
Produced after countless hours of work, the 2016 3D facsimile prototype was created from a high resolution image taken of the document itself.
The 2D image was then digitally de-constructed into individual layers, ensuring the separations were as accurate as possible, and true to the image. During this process the added challenge was to 're-construct' the missing elements by extrapolation (...ie the areas hidden underneath the uppermost visible elements) ...to complete the printable structures.
These separated layers were then produced as archival fine art giclée printed sections, on 255gms acid free heavy weight Somerset® Enhanced Radiant White Velvet fine art paper.
Delivered to a Laser Cutting specialist (based in Stirlingshire, Scotland), under a shroud of secrecy, the separated pieces were then cut out by laser beam with millimetre accuracy.
The Declaration of Arbroath 3D replica, the digital disassembly of the fine art limited edition facsimile, during the pre-development phase... by Steven Patrick Sim, the Tartan Artisan
The Declaration of Arbroath 3D replica, the digital disassembly of the fine art limited edition facsimile, during the pre-development phase... by Steven Patrick Sim, the Tartan Artisan
The Declaration of Arbroath 3D replica, the digital disassembly of the fine art limited edition facsimile, during the pre-development phase... by Steven Patrick Sim, the Tartan Artisan
The Declaration of Arbroath 3D replica, the digital disassembly of the fine art limited edition facsimile, during the pre-development phase... by Steven Patrick Sim, the Tartan Artisan
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Each part assembled by hand
Work then began on assembly of the first prototype piece, with these intricate separations being reassembled by hand piece by piece with care and accuracy ...the seal tags being slotted and permanently mounted through the main section, the letter itself.
Each seal tag was individually shaped to add some form and three dimensions to the facsimile, ensuring the positioning resembles the original image ...but in 3D.
The Seals . . . printed giclées, in miniature
The document’s surviving seals were also created with a fine level of detail, producing a 3D illusion in the finished piece.
The 19 seals (8 red and 11 green) where individually printed as high resolution miniature fine art giclée reproductions. Printed from photographic images of the seals.
These miniature prints were then each embodied with a technique using archival materials to add a degree of three-dimensional realism. Firstly, permanently adhering to acid free cotton board, before trimming and sculpting by hand, then embellishing on the reverse with fine art clay.
After attachment, the printed and embellished seals were then hand painted with fine art acrylics, blending shades of red and green. Finally protected with multiple coats of conservation gloss varnish, which created a subtle reflective quality catching the light. The result was a stunning 3D illusion, creating a wax effect in the art piece, and the first prototype was complete.
The seals were accurately positioned and permanently attached to the seal tags of the facsimile.
One of the first prototypes produced, before embellishment of the seals
Crown copyright, National Records of Scotland, SP13/7
Note - Images on this page show the development of one of the early prototypes in 2016, before embellishment of the printed giclée seals for this particular piece.