How is Papyrus paper made?
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The picture on the right shows the Cyperus papyrus plant being harvested by hand in the Nile. There is quite an art to making papyrus paper as the all important final colour and quality of the paper is totally dependent on the skill of the maker.

The outer green bark of the papyrus plant is removed and the picture on the left shows the inner pith being sliced into thin strips, which are subsequently hammered to break down the fibres. They are then immersed into ordinary water for three days until the fibres become flexible and transparent.

The papyrus is now removed from the water and is very soft and quite spongy. It is rolled flat and left to dry a little before the strips are cut to the desired length. The picture on the right shows them being placed on a piece of cotton, each at a slight overlap making two layers, one horizontal and the other vertical.

Each papyrus sheet is then put between two pieces of cardboard. The picture on the left shows several sheets being put under a hand press where they will remain until dry. The cardboard draws the moisture out of the damp papyrus paper so it is changed every eight hours over the three days it takes to dry out.

Finally, the papyrus sheets are now ready for painting and are given to qualified artists. The artists use a combination of inks, oils and gouache, although it is also possible to write, print and draw on papyrus.