History
Although scratchboard is a relatively new process, humans have been scratching images since the 'caveman' era. The materials used for this time period were rock and bone. Then as time went on it became metal etching, scratchboard and the wood engraving of today.

Modern scratchboard was developed in the late 19th century. Versions of this technique were cardboard coated with chalk, then applications of India Ink were applied in countries such as England, Austria and Italy. It became popular for its "fine" line look, and could be photographically reduced for reproduction without working in reverse with ease. It was used for advertising and editorial illustrations mainly from the 1020's to the 1950's. Scratchboard has made somewhat of a comeback these last two decades as an appealing medium.