Dear Mark, Yes, we live in testing times - in all senses. And I think therein lies the answer, in that some testing is ultimately the only way to find what paper(s) give(s) the closest to 'that look' that you have in your mind, when used with your negatives in your enlarger. There are so many variables in the equation. Having said that there is a reasonable choice. I believe that you are on my mailing list at www.worldoflithprinting.com? If so, you should have received my recent mail shot updating all those on my mailing list as to the current situation with regard to market changes in papers and developers suitable for lith printing. Most 'lith printable' papers (but not all) tend to be of the warm tone variety and therefore would potentially fall into the group you are considering. As a fan of Bergger papers, you probably know that the emulsion used was made by Forte, which recently went out of business in January of this year. However, Bergger plans to continue distribution of all their papers with the exception of CB Art. They tell me that they have acquired the emulsion rights and some of the Forte vessels and equipment to produce the emulsion elsewhere, so they are hoping for minimal change in the final characteristics. I don't have any information about their base materials. There have been alterations in the base material market too, as the producer Felix Schoeller ceased production and exited this market. They produced the base material for Kentmere's Art Classic, hence their search for a replacement. I'm afraid I don't know if this will affect Bergger's plans - I believe it won't, as they have confirmed their intentions to me since Schoeller's departure. As you like their materials so much I suggest that you stay with them. Similarly, Kentmere have been negotiating for the Forte Polywarmtone emulsion and plant equipment, with a view to producing that emulsion on a new base in their own coating plant. This story is still unfolding but as you like this emulsion it would be worth watching for this new product when it emerges. The Forte emulsions are known for their responsiveness to direct toners like selenium and gold and I would suggest that you follow those market sections especially, given the results you are seeking. Also, you should know from my mail shot that Fotoimpex have started coating early samples of the original Agfa emulsion for MCC and MCP, which they will release probably under the Adox label. This is likely to be a responsive paper for the sort of results you are looking for and free samples can be obtained from the link I sent out in my update. As they make all their own emulsions and coat their own papers, Kentmere's other warmtone papers have not been affected by these closures . If you haven't explored their range I would recommend that you do so. They make some excellent products. Ilford make very fine papers too. MG Cooltone, perhaps surprisingly, responds positively, although slowly, to gold toning. It is only available in RC form at present, which might not fit with your aesthetic, but a FB version is under consideration. Neutral MGIV, and of course MG Warmtone, which are both firm favourites of mine are excellent exhibition papers, although Multigrade's highlight curve may or may not suit your developers quite as well. MGWT is not as warm as the Forte PWT but is a really lovely paper in either glossy or a beautiful semi matt surface and with a positive, albeit more subtle, response to Selenium and Gold. It is a matter of taste. For some, the Forte response was too much, for others the Ilford to subtle, so you have to find what you like. Ilford's quality control and consistency is excellent - not always the case with some of the central European producers, where it was often variable. Foma are producing some stunning papers for Lith - very warm toned and in a lovely range of surface finishes. Whether or not they are what you want I can't say of course, but you should take a look at their range - also about to be distributed under the Rollei label too, as you would know from my update. From what you say about the paper qualities you like, I would guess that you might care for their chamois paper - Fomatone MG emulsion on what was the old Kentmere Art Classic base. Varycon VC FB from Fotokemika is a good warmtone lithable paper but I have little experience with it for conventional printing and toning and can't comment much further on it. There is a lot of food for thought here I know, but I feel that these would be the front runners for your work, based on what you have told me. After so many predictions of doom, it is encouraging to see how things are unfolding. Kind regards,