AIC's 46th Annual Meeting

The repair of damaged leather binding of books is a foundation treatment for all book conservators. It poses a constant challenge because of the need to balance the functional intention of using a book while balancing time economy when working with large collections or in private practice. In this course participants will learn and review several traditional and modern techniques for the repair of both tight and hollow back. The workshop will explore the importance of secure board attachment before the application of appropriate outer covering to re-attach the original spine and boards.

This workshop will alternate demonstrations with hands-on treatment under close supervision. Participants will gain experience lifting leather, staining leather to match historical bindings, paring leather, and rebacking in both leather and kozo paper. Discussions will explore board attachment techniques prior to covering, including joint tacketing, board slotting, extended linings, and colored kozo paper mending. There will be presentations on issues relating to leather bindings, including suitable repair leathers and papers, leather dyes, pigments, surface coatings, consolidants, adhesives, and tools for lifting and paring.

This workshop is for all experience levels, although previous work with leather would be helpful. Participants should bring their own paring knife and lifting knife. The workshop will take place in the brand-new state-of-the-art conservation lab at Texas A&M University Libraries, part of a three-year renovation of the libraries. Transportation from the Houston to College Station will be provided (about 90 minutes) and is included in the event start/end time. Lunch and breaks are included in the workshop.