[f. Gr. κόλλα glue + -TYPE.] A thin plate or sheet of gelatine, the sensitized surface of which has been etched by the action of the actinic rays, so that it can be printed from; also the print or impression, and the process. Hence collotype plate, process, printing, etc.
1883. Hardwich’s Photogr. Chem. (ed. Taylor), 362. In Collotype printing the sensitized Gelatine is so changed by the action of Light that it takes the printers’ ink exactly in proportion to the actinic impression made.
1884. Athenæum, 16 Feb., 220/1. Photo-Mechanical Printing Processes, dealing with the preparation of intaglio plates and collotypes.
1887. Pall Mall Gaz., 10 Oct., 3/1. Its handsome appearance, its ‘collotype’ illustrations.
1887. H. T. Wood, Illustr. Books, 60. Collotype lends itself admirably to the reproduction of artistic objects in low relief, such as coins, medals, etc. Ibid., 58. At first it was usual to print collotypes on a paper with an enamelled surface. Ibid., 59. Good collotypes show great delicacy.
Hence Collotypic a.
1887. H. T. Wood, Illustr. Books, 59. Collotypic prints may be obtained in more than a single colour. Ibid., 53. A collotypic plate.
