The Library of Virginia is responsible for the portraits hanging
in the Capitol Building and in other state buildings. Many of
these have brass plaques attached to the frame, identifying the
subject, with dates. Many of these were engraved long
ago, and it is becoming necessary to close the dates with the
year of death.
The technology of the engraving is quite simple and
straightforward; a small router travels on one end of a
pantograph arm, while the end of the other pantograph arm
traces the letters on a master template. However, though simple
and straightforward, this method as a commercial practice seems
to have fallen into desuetude. We are not finding anyone who
offers it any more. Any suggestions? The plaques are
removeable, so they could be sent almost anywhere.

Henry Grunder
Conservation/Preservation Coordinator
The Library of Virginia