Preservation Services on YouTube

The Preservation Services is releasing its first film about procedures in conservation treatments that are performed in our Division of the University Libraries. The film was possible through a joint effort with the Digital Media Commons, especially Cheryl Cross, who patiently recorded hours of  this treatment, to then be reduced to just eight minutes of viewing. What a fast conservation treatment!!!

The book, I Vespri Sicilliani, is part of our Cello Music Collection and was a donation received in 2013 from George Darden Piano and Opera collection.
http://uncgspecial.blogspot.com/2013/10/george-darden-martha-blakeney-hodges.html

Oh the weather outside is frightful....

..but the fire is so delightful...and since we've no place to go,
Let it snow Let it snow Let it snow!

Yes those winter days will soon be upon us.  What better way to prepare for the fun of the season than to sit down with a delightful book about the beloved Santa Claus.

This wonderful book was sent to the Conservation Lab for restoration and  received some much needed care and adoration.

 

The front cover board was broken. The text block had fallen from its casing. The endpapers had suffered the wear and tear from delighted hands who rifled through its lovely pages. 

 

Spine was split

Spine reattached with Japanese Paper and endpapers restored.

 



The book was given careful treatment and reconstruction and looks close to its original state.

So as our days move into the restful peace of autumn and towards winter be sure to pick up a good book and enjoy that tactile pleasure of the printed page.  This volume from Special Collections may now rest easier within its newly restored covers.  

Berries and bird binding + custom clamshell box = the most adorable book ever.

This cute little volume arrived with a front cover that was completely detached from the rest of the book block. Rice-starch paste and a thin strip of Kozo (handmade paper from Japan) were used to reinforce the interior hinge. I selected a color that would blend well with the original marbled endpapers. Rather than cut the Kozo mending strip I tore it for a smoother transition.
More Kozo was used to build-up and cover the exterior hinge. Watered down acrylic paints and a light coat of wax help to give the paper a leather-like appearance.


For the final step I made a custom clamshell box to protect this rare book. I covered it in espresso and cherry-red bookcloth to match the gorgeous binding.