Paper mache literally means “Chewed Paper”, “Mashed paper”or “Pulped paper” is a composite material consist of paper pieces or pulp, some reinforced with textile, bound with an adhesive like glue, starch or wallpaper paste.

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Despite the French sounding name, it did not originate in France until the mid 17th century. However, France was the first country to do so. Papier-mâché/ Papier Mache originates from China, the inventors of Paper itself. Papier Mache was used to make helmets of all things dating back to the Hans Dynasty (BC 202 – AD 220).  From China interest was spread to Japan & Persia. Papier Mache was used in making masks, ornaments and other festival activities. Eventually from there it spread to the rest of the world

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​Some ​Interesting Facts

• Irish Mac called Isaac Weld made a boat from Papier Mache and he sailed the lake of Killarney.

• In 1833 Charles Frederick Bielefeld built prefabricated cottages & ten room villa for client and his party to occupy on arrival. In 1853 Charles published a book titled "Portable Buildings" which included plates illustrating the various home designs he had available.

• Until 1970’s Papier Mache was used for casting moulds for daily newspapers.

• In India Durgapuja, goddess “Durga” idols are made of Papier Mache.

• French physicist Louis Thomas Jerome Auzoux (1797 – 1880) inspired by paper mache dolls. In 1822 he received his medical degree and he gave the first anatomical figure of Male to Paris Academy of Medicine. Five years later he opened a factory to manufacture human, veterinary and botanical papier Mache models.

• Church made in Norway survived 40 years before it was demolished.

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Source: Brain Art, https://brainart.co/paper-mache-history/​

​Watch the following videos to see the process of how to use Paper Mache

Create a visual representation​ (a blueprint) of the project you will create using Paper Mache.

We will build the skeleton with wire, bulk it up with spare paper and cover it up with Paper Mache, before painting it. ​

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​Assignment: Planning Session

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