This site reflects artwork in the Scraperboard medium (also known as Scratchboard Art).

Modern scratchboard, as we know it originated in the 19th century in Britain and France. As printing methods developed, scratchboard became a popular medium for reproduction because it replaced wood, metal and linoleum engraving. It allowed for a fine line appearance that could be photographically reduced for reproduction without losing quality. From the 1930's to 1950's, it was one of the preferred techniques for medical, scientific and product illustration. In more recent years, it has made a comeback as an appealing medium for editorial illustrators of magazines, ads and graphic novels. Most scraperboard work results in a white image on a black background.  

This site includes a variety of artworks. From images of popular tourist sites around South Africa, Botanical art, Nudes, as well as buildings of early Cape Town & the surrounding areas, produced from photographs taken in the early 19^th and 20^th Century, with permission from the Cape Archives.

The benefit of modern technology allows the images not only to be reproduced in black + white or sepia, but also in full colour, whilst still allowing the viewer to see the scraperboard technique in the image.