An Improved Understanding in the Conservation of Leather BookbindingsKaren Vidler pursues ongoing research and training into the conservation of leather bookbindings. She has attended academic training in leather chemistry & technology as well as the hands-on manufacture of leather. She applies current research in improved examination and treatment of bookbinding leather into her practical and teaching work. Her areas of particular interest are acid decay (red rot), age hardening and fire damage in bookbinding leathers manufactured from the middle ages through to modern tanned and finished leather. As well as developing improved techniques for repairing leather bindings without the need for complete removal of the original leather. Grain loss caused by acid decay (x200)
Currently, the conservation needs and techniques used for the preservation and conservation of leather bookbindings are frequently misunderstood. Karen is keen to improve the general awareness of bookbinding leather through presentations, publications and training. Her most recent papers 'The Use of Leather Dressings in Archives Conservation' (ARCmagazine December 2012) and 'How to Read Bookbinding Leather' (Skin Deep Volume 39, Spring 2015) seek to raise awareness of these issues. The Use of Leather Dressings - extract from ARCmagazine article
Leather dressings can be purchased as a liquid or cream usually containing a mixture of fats, oils and waxes in a solvent. Throughout the 20th century leather dressing has been used for improving the look and ‘condition’ of vegetable tanned leather when it appeared to be dry and losing flexibility. They are part of a group of substances known as surface coatings which are used in the conservation and restoration of leathers. This use of leather dressing comes from the belief that an application could replace the loss of the lubricant worked between the leather fibres during manufacture to give the leather the desired physical properties required for use as bookbinding leather. Some fundamental problems with the use of leather dressing include:
In summary:
1. Thomson. R. (2006) Leather In Conservation Science: Heritage Materials. May, E and Jones. M (Ed.). London: RSC, pp.92-120. 4. Blaschke, K (2012) Lubricants on Vegetable Tanned Leather: Effects and Chemical Changes In Restaurator, Vol.33, pp.76-99.2. Vidler, K (2012) The Leather Checklist. Unpublished. Available on request. 3. Landmann, A.W. (1991) Lubricants In Leather: Its Composition and Changes with Time. Northampton: The Leather Conservation Centre, pp. 29-33. |
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