Book Restoration

The preservation of our written heritage encompasses two main elements: conservation and restoration. Much is written about conservation and, as a nation, we are becoming more aware of our responsibilities in that field and working towards improvements. Restoration, however, seldom warrants a mention and as such tends not to receive the status it merits.

The restoration of books and bound volumes has long been an alternative available to custodians of bound books. Whether to repair or rebind is an often-asked question. To answer it, we must look objectively at what we want to achieve. Firstly, we must always ensure all preventative measures are taken to minimise the rate of deterioration. By sympathetically addressing storage conditions and environmental factors we can substantially alter and arrest potential problems within our collections. Regular inspection and book stock cleaning programmes coupled with planned building maintenance are essential elements, vital to the long-term survival of our heritage.

We can undertake a programme of re-furbishment using trained staff and quality materials to help items last longer. Simple forms of repair include:

• Repairing small tears
• Inserting loose pages or covers
• Cleaning leather and cloth covers

The more involved process of re-backing can be used where a book spine or boards become detached from the book.