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CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION
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A section of a 19th Centruy paper screen restored |
Our Conservation Workshop is based at Shepherds, our shop in Victoria London, and is no more than ten minutes walk from Victoria, St. James's Park and Pimlico tube stations. We undertake the repair and conservation of all types of books, archive material and works of art on paper. Visitors are welcome to visit our shop during business hours, Monday to Friday 10.00 to 6.00pm, Saturdays 10.30 to 5.00pm. You may leave items with us for estimates but if you wish to see a specialist it is better to make an appointment beforehand. Scroll down for more information on:
For are other bookbinding services return to The Bindery.
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CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION OF LEATHER AND CLOTH BINDINGS
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Rebacking and attaching loose boards are the most common procedures undertaken on leather bound books. We are usually able to preserve the original spines but when this is not possible we can make new spines that match the original bindings. Full restoration includes repairing the boards and corners, repairing the text blocks and refurbishing the leather. Like leather books, cloth and paper bound books can be repaired by saving the spines and re-attaching the boards.
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Group of calf bindings with new spines |
REPAIR AND CLEANING OF TEXTBLOCKS
 Cleaning a title-page |
Colour plate cleaned prior to rebinding of textblock Stained and acidic paper can be washed and de-acidified. Small repairs can sometimes be made in situ but books that need extensive cleaning and repairs can be disbound by our qualified bookbinders prior to treatment. We also specialise in repairing dustjackets.
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CONSERVATION OF PRINTS, WATERCOLOURS AND OTHER WORKS OF ART ON PAPER
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We are specialists in the conservation and repair of prints, drawings and watercolours. We also clean and repair posters, maps, and paper screens. To understand the work of this department, take a look at the print on the right. This mezzotint was discovered in two
pieces. As an exercise, we have left the The other half of the print has been cleaned, restored and remounted. Click on the picture on the right for a more detailed description. |
Detail from a 19th century mezzotint - click here for details |
CONSERVATION STORAGE SYSTEMS
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Fragile documents preserved in archival polyester sleeves |
Archival storage boxes - click here for more details The preservation of delicate archival material is of paramount importance. Paper requires a stable and controlled environment for safe long-term storage. Relative Humidity (RH) levels, temperature and light all play a major role in the deterioration of the cellulose structure. We have a number of solutions for the safe housing and storing of paper artefacts. The priority is to keep vulnerable materials in an acid-free environment such as an archival box or polyester sleeves. For more information on our box-making service and polyester sleeves, click on this link. For detailed advice on storage and preservation solutions, please contact Daniel Wray. |
LIBRARY REFURBISHMENT
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Library refurbishment Books need looking after but there are some popular misconceptions about the best way to treat old books and their bindings. For example, the zealous application of leather dressing can sometimes do more harm than good. We can advise clients on the best way to take care of their collections and we undertake surveys to establish the best courses of treatment. Refurbishment programmes can prevent further deterioration and ensure books remain in fine condition. Contact Daniel Wray for more information
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A selection of leather and cloth bindings |
FRAMING
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Early 19th Century watercolour mounted in a conservation mount and oak frame |
Our framing department at our Rochester Row shop works closely with the Conservation Department. We provide conservation mounts and a wide selection of mouldings.
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DISASTERS - FIRE AND FLOOD
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Over the last twenty years we built up considerable experience in dealing with paper and books that have been damaged by the effects of fire and water. When disaster strikes it is important to act quickly. Water is particularly harmful because mould growth can set in rapidly, particularly in warm conditions. We can collect damaged material and make a rapid appraisal of the damage and treatment options. Our team of book conservators are uniquely qualified to carry out what ever restoration work is necessary.
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When disaster strikes! |
Leather binding with boards and spine detached
Typical example of discolouration and staining of an 18th Century print
A selection of picture mouldings at our Rochester Row shop