The Family Tree – Step by Step

Almost everyone has ever seen a Family Tree or Pedigree Chart. But have you also ever seen how such a Chart was created? Just a few people know how time-consuming this can be. And even less people know that the creation demands professional skills. A hand-drawn Family Tree with a Family Chronicle is the topping of a professional genealogy. The Chronicle visually presents all research results. Before a professional artisan can start with the drawing some years are passing with researching the data to depict on the Family Tree.

Wir haben eine Liste gemacht, wie dieses Kunstwerk, der Stammbaum, Schritt für Schritt entsteht.

See how a delightful Family Tree is created in 10 steps.

1. Draft

First of all a draft of the Family Tree is generated. This draft bases on the previously submitted family-historical data of the client or the researched results of Pro Heraldica. During this step we are considering decorating elements which fit to the family’s history. Mostly these elements are scenes of the places of origin, its Coat of Arms, photos of important family members or a label of the family name. Based on this draft any binding quotation can be done. The draft shows perfectly the fields for the researched persons. These fields are just serving as a placeholder and just contain a Roman numeral at this time.

2. Individualization

After the client accepts the quotation the draft is discussed for any additional wishes or changes. He is free to select elements like the font or the type of the tree (oak, ash, linden, laurel, ginkgo, birch aso.). Afterwards the client gets a revised version of the draft.

3.Data Reconciliation

At this step the researched and submitted data are listed for the approval of the client. The double checking is essential to avoid mistakes at the final Family Tree.

4. Size and Frame

Next the customer determines the size of his own Family Tree. He can also chose from a wide range of frames that fits perfectly to his family history and taste. For copies of the Family Tree he can select other sizes or frames for sure.

5. Preparation of the Parchment

The experts of Pro Heraldica now are looking for the perfect parchment. For our Family Trees or Pedigree Charts we are using the parchment of calves due to its high quality. A bookbinder than handles the parchment with special proceeds, prepares it and mounts it on the framing. Nowadays there are only a few people who can do this professionally in Germany.

6. Elevation

After the parchment is prepared the artisan makes an elevation with a pencil to determine the proportions of the Family Tree. You can already see the Tree with all its branches, arms and decorations at this time. A calligraphist writes the family data by hand.

7. Corrections

The finalized black and white Tree now is proofread by coworkers. The advantage of parchment is that mistakes can be corrected very easily by cutting out the top layer. Paper does not provide this possibility.

8. Coloring

Most people are not aware that the coloring is a very detailed work. Many hours are passing to fully color all leaves or details of the hometown. In fact the color brings the whole work to life.

9. Preparation of the Negatives

We are creating two negatives of high quality: A black and white and a color negative. These are important for possible copies which can be produced cost-effective. For copies we usually do photo printings or screen printing which are colored by hand. It is not an exception that other family members also want to have a Tree of the own family after seeing the original example.

10. Framing

In the end the colored Family Tree is framed. We are using glare-free glasses to enable a direct sight from all perspectives.

See a selection of some Family Trees and Pedigree Charts we were creating in the past below. You can get further information at our Family Tree webpage or just contact us!

 

This post is also available in: German