09 Nov 2010
Previous storage boxes The construction of the books is very complex. A variety of materials are used, ranging from thin curved wooden boards (most of them broken and with parts missing), paper blocks, leather spines and a silk ribbon used as a kind of 'sewing thread'. This presented several challenges to me in deciding on the best conservation approach, which would also ensure that the books could be easily handled and opened without incurring further damage. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"219586","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Example of broken book PBD2235.jpg"}}]]
Example of broken book PBD2235 [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"219587","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Example of broken book PBD2235.jpg"}}]]
Example of broken book PBD2235 During my study and examination of the different structures and editions of the books, I was able to unite loose parts (boards and prints) with their original book block. It was essential to keep original elements of the binding in order to respect the integrity of the collection. All wooden boards were preserved and conserved. I replaced missing parts with the same kind of material as the original, chiselling oak wood to the right infill size in the same thickness, staining the wood to a similar colour, ensuring the infill was still clearly distinguishable from the original. I used a strong, flexible and reversible glue to recreate and support original curves in the boards. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"219588","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"PICTURE 4_wooden board infill PBD2235.jpg"}}]]
Wooden board infill [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"219589","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"PICTURE 5_ conserved book with toned wooden infill PBD2235.jpg"}}]]
Conserved book with toned wooden infill The degraded leather spines were dry cleaned and consolidated. In some cases I found it necessary to replace the spine with similar leather (in this case sheep skin). I replicated gold tooling in the same style and size compared to the other books in this collection. The paper was carefully dry cleaned. I provided strength by repairing tears and replacing missing areas with a variety of conservation quality Japanese papers and hand-made western papers. The paper repairs were adhered using Wheat Starch Paste and Methylcellulose. Visually disfiguring and previously added paper repairs were removed and the damage was treated with more sympathetic and suitable paper materials. The sewing structure of a small percentage of the books was very weak or broken. An intact binding is necessary for the book to function properly. In some cases, I needed to completely re-sew books where the sewing structure was beyond repair. I recorded the old, original binding construction prior re-sewing and used my notes as a template. New hemp cords were used as a sewing support. The much degraded silk ribbon was replaced with a ribbon in similar texture, material and colour. I used a new silk ribbon which I dyed, using different dyes and chemicals, to match the colour of the original silk ribbon. New protection was necessary to meet preservation standards and create a storage solution which is appropriate for the Caird Library readers. I had to consider four main points: 1.Security and safety of the books 2.Accessibility 3.Keeping all the units together 4.Weight and size of the storage box I decided to create a bespoke housing system: two custom made boxes with two trays each now house all 27 items; the trays can easy be lifted out of the boxes. The books are individually supported and secured in the boxes. This housing system has made access to the collection much safer and easier. [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"219590","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"PICTURE 6 One of the new storage boxes.jpg"}}]]
One of the new storage boxes [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"219591","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"PICTURE 7 one of the new storage boxes - opened.jpg"}}]]
One of the new storage boxes opened