Peles, cabedais e afins no património cultural: história, tecnologias, conservação e restauro

"The Campeche Chair in the Metropolitan Museum of Art" by Gontar (2003)

2012-01-27T23:30:00.000Z

Gontar, Cybèle Trione; “The Campeche Chairin the Metropolitan Museum of Art”, Metropolitan Museum Journal, 38 (2003) 183-212

JSTOR (restricted access) / PDF

Campeche chair, ca. 1800–1810, The Met Museum of Art

2012-01-27T23:00:00.000Z

Goldleder zwischen 1500 und 1800 - Herstellung und Erhaltung, Schulze (2010)

2012-01-20T23:00:00.001Z

Andreas Schulze, Goldleder zwischen 1500 und 1800 - Herstellung und Erhaltung, Dissertation zur Erlangung des Grades eines Doktors der Geisteswissenschaften im Studiengang Kunsttechnologie, Konservierung und Restaurierung von Kunst- und Kulturgut, Hochschule für Bildende Künste Dresden, 2010

PDF1 / PDF 2

Zusammenfassung

Für die Entwicklung geeigneter Strategien und Methoden zur Erhaltung von Kunstund Kulturgut ist die detaillierte Kenntnis der ursprünglichen Herstellungsverfahren und der verwendeten Materialien eine unverzichtbare Voraussetzung.

Im Falle des Goldleders gerieten diese Kenntnisse gegen Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts vollständig in Vergessenheit. Die Wiederentdeckung der Herstellungsdetails war das Hauptanliegen der vorliegenden Arbeit. Dazu wurden 27 Quellenschriften zu den verschiedenen Aspekten der Goldlederherstellung aus Spanien, Italien, den Niederlanden, England, Frankreich und Deutschland ausgewertet. Der Schwerpunkt lag dabei auf der Blütezeit des Goldleders vom Beginn des 16. bis zum Ende des 18. Jahrhunderts, wobei aber auch einige mittelalterliche Quellen zu den frühen Anfängen oder Vorläufern des „klassischen“ Goldleders mit einbezogen wurden.

Die gewonnenen Informationen wurden durch ein Nachvollziehen der Handlungsanweisungen für alle Herstellungsschritte des Goldleders in der Praxis überprüft und mit den erhaltenen Goldledertapeten im Schloss Moritzburg, aber auch mit bereits abgeschlossenen Untersuchungen anderer Stücke verglichen.

Eine weitere wichtige Zielrichtung dieser Arbeit bestand darin, die aus den historischen Quellen sowie der Untersuchung des vorhandenen Goldlederbestandes zu gewinnenden materialspezifischen und herstellungstechnischen Erkenntnisse sowohl für die Entwicklung komplexer Erhaltungsstrategien als auch für konkrete Konservierungs- beziehungsweise Restaurierungsmethoden nutzbar zu machen.

Abstract

A detailed knowledge of the original techniques of manufacture and of the used materials is essentially for the development of suitable strategies and methods for the preservation of cultural heritage.

In the case of gilt leather these skills had been lost completely at the end of the 18th century. The aim of the presented work was the rediscovery of the lost knowledge.

For this purpose 27 written sources about the different aspects of gilt leather production from Spain, Italy, The Netherlands, Great Britain, France and Germany had been analysed. The emphasis of these researches was placed on the period of flowering of gilt leather between the beginning of the 16th and the end of the 18th century. Nevertheless some medieval art technological sources to the early roots or predecessors of the “classical” gilt leather have been included into account.

The results of these researches have been verified in practice by the reconstruction of the historic descriptions for all steps of gilt leather manufacture and compared also with the results of the scientific examination of the original gilt leather wallhangings of Moritzburg castle and similar objects.

Another important aim of this work was it, to use the rediscovered art technological knowledge, which could be obtained by the examination of the historic sources and of the original objects, for the development of complex strategies and concrete methods for the conservation-restoration of gilt leather objects in general.

Gilt leather chasuble, 17th century, The Met Museum of Art

2012-01-13T23:30:00.001Z

"Studies of Ancient Egyptian Footwear.Technological Aspects. Part XIV" by Veldmeijer (2011)

2012-01-06T23:00:00.001Z

Veldmeijer, A. J.; “Studies of Ancient Egyptian Footwear. Technological Aspects. Part XIV. Leather Eared Sandals”, Palarch’s Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology 8(5) (2011) 1-31

PDF

Abstract:

Leather Eared Sandals, i.e. sandals with pre-straps that are cut from the sole’s leather, are a well known category of sandals in ancient Egypt, mainly because the manufacturing is depicted in scenes that decorate tombs. Based on archaeological finds, we can recognise several subcategories and types. The present paper, as part of the Ancient Egyptian Footwear Project’s publication series, presents the technological details of this category of leather sandals. As usual in this series of papers, other topics are discussed in passing.

"Non-Destructive Characterisation and Dating of Historic Parchment Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy" by Možir et al (2011)

2011-12-30T23:00:00.000Z

Možir, A.; Strlič, M.; DeBruin, G.; Trafela, T.; Kralj Cigić, I.; Kolar, J.; Deselnicu, V.; "Non-Destructive Characterisation and Dating of Historic Parchment Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy", International Conference on non-destructive investigations and microanalysis for the diagnostics and conservation of cultural and environmental heritage (ART 2011), 13-15 April 2011, Florence, Italy

PDF

Abstract:

Parchment is a complex natural material made from animal skin, which has been used as a writing support and for bookbinding. Due to the historic value of objects made of parchment, understanding of their degradation and their conservation is of high importance to archives, libraries and museums. It was recently shown that lipid content in parchment may have an important influence on collagen degradation, probably via autoxidation. For parchment, a direct link between lipid content and degradation has, however, still not been demonstrated. The goal of this research presented here was to introduce NIR spectroscopy as a new non-destructive spectroscopic method of characterization of proteinaceous historic materials and to examine the relations between lipid content and degradation of parchment, measuring shrinkage temperature.

"The Bourdichon Nativity: A masterpiece of light and colour" by Burgio et al (2009)

2011-12-25T23:30:00.000Z

Burgio, L.; Clark, R. J. H.; Hark, R.;"The Bourdichon Nativity: A Masterpiece of light and colour", V&AConservation Journal 58 (2009) pp.36-37

URL

The Bourdichon Nativity, miniature on parchment, c.1498, Victoria & Albert Museum

2011-12-23T23:55:00.000Z

"Microstructural, chemical and isotopic evidence for the origin of late neolithic leather recovered from an ice field in the Swiss Alps" by Spangenberg et al (2010)

2011-12-16T23:00:00.001Z

Spangenberg, J. E.; Ferrer, M.; Tschudin, P.; Volken, M.; Hafner, A.; “Microstructural, chemical and isotopic evidence for the origin of late neolithic leather recovered from an ice field in the Swiss Alps”, Journal of Archaeological Science 37(8) (2010) 1851-1865

doi:10.1016/j.jas.2010.02.003 (restricted access)

Abstract:

Archaeological leather samples recovered from the ice field at the Schnidejoch Pass (altitude 2756 m amsl) in the western Swiss Alps were studied using optical, chemical molecular and isotopic (δ13C and δ15N of the bulk leather, and compound-specific δ13C analyses of the organic-solvent extracted fatty acids) methods to obtain insight into the origin of the leather and ancient tanning procedures. For comparison, leathers from modern native animals in alpine environment (red deer, goat, sheep, chamois, and calf/cow) were analyzed using the same approach. Optical and electron microscopically comparisons of Schnidejoch and modern leathers showed that the gross structure (pattern of collagen fibrils and intra-fibrils material) of archaeological leather had survived essentially intact for five millennia. The SEM studies of the hairs from the most important archaeological find, a Neolithic leather legging, show a wave structure of the hair cuticle, which is a diagnostic feature for goatskins. The variations of the bulk δ13C and δ15N values, and δ13C values of the main fatty acids are within the range expected for pre-industrial temperate C3 environment. The archaeological leather samples contain a mixture of indigenous (from the animal) and exogenous plant/animal lipids. An important amount of waxy n-alkanes, n-alkan-1-ols and phytosterols (β-sitosterol, sitostanol) in all samples, and abundant biomarker of conifers (nonacosan-10-ol) in the legging leathers clearly indicate that the Neolithic people were active in a subalpine coniferous forest, and that they used an aqueous extract of diverse plant material for tanning leather.

"3D Micro-XRF for Cultural Heritage Objects: New Analysis Strategies for the Investigation of the Dead Sea Scrolls” by Mantouvalou et al (2011)

2011-12-09T23:00:00.002Z

Mantouvalou, I.; Wolff, T.; Hahn, O.; Rabin, I.; Lühl, L.; Pagels, M.; Malzer, W.; Kanngiesser, B.; “3D Micro-XRF for Cultural Heritage Objects: New Analysis Strategies for the Investigation of the Dead Sea Scrolls”, Analytical Chemistry 83 (16) (2011) 6308–6315

DOI: 10.1021/ac2011262 (restricted access)

Abstract:

A combination of 3D micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (3D micro-XRF) and micro-XRF was utilized for the investigation of a small collection of highly heterogeneous, partly degraded Dead Sea Scroll parchment samples from known excavation sites. The quantitative combination of the two techniques proves to be suitable for the identification of reliable marker elements which may be used for classification and provenance studies. With 3D micro-XRF, the three-dimensional nature, i.e. the depth-resolved elemental composition as well as density variations, of the samples was investigated and bromine could be identified as a suitable marker element. It is shown through a comparison of quantitative and semi quantitative values for the bromine content derived using both techniques that, for elements which are homogeneously distributed in the sample matrix, quantification with micro-XRF using a one-layer model is feasible. Thus, the possibility for routine provenance studies using portable micro-XRF instrumentation on a vast amount of samples, even on site, is obtained through this work.

"Conservation of an 18th century targe: stabilization and visual reintegration" by Skogstad (2010)

2011-12-02T23:55:00.003Z

Hilde Skogstad, "Conservation of an 18th century targe: stabilization and visual reintegration", University of Olso, Institutt for arkeologi, konservering og historie, Master student report (2010)

PDF

Introduction:
For historical leather objects which have suffered deterioration in the form of tears, splits and areas of losses, a suitable conservation treatment will often be to add some form of structural support in order to stabilize and prevent further damage. This can be done by inserting repair patches or even a full relining underneath the original material. Although a relevant approach, this form of treatment is not a straightforward one as there is a range of decisions to be made both in terms of repair material, adhesive and the practical, hands- on task of adding the new material without risking or compromising the original. Choices should be based on the condition of the object as well as take into account well known conservation issues like reversibility and minimal intervention. Even if not a first priority, aesthetic considerations will also in most cases be present in the decision making process, maybe more so when the object is historical as opposed to archaeological.

The following case study discusses the conservation of an 18th century Scottish targe from the collections at Leeds Royal Armouries, a project in which several of the above mentioned issues had to be considered in order to stabilize the object and at the same time visually reintegrate areas of damage and losses.

Leather trousers (breeches),1800-1820,The Met Museum of Art

2011-11-25T23:00:00.007Z

"El influjo renascentista en las encuadernaciones de la Biblioteca Histórica de la Universidad de Salamanca" por Miguélez González (2009)

2011-11-18T23:00:00.012Z

Miguélez González, Elvira Julieta; “El influjo renascentista en las encuadernaciones de la Biblioteca Histórica de la Universidad de Salamanca”, Anales de Documentación 12 (2009) 181-208

PDF

Resumen:

La encuadernación es una técnica que consiste en unir los pliegos u hojas del libro con la cubierta, formando un conjunto unitario para su mejor conservación y facilidad en el uso que nace con un fin eminentemente funcional, protegerlo contra las agresiones exteriores. Al mismo tiempo, este revestimiento del libro va a admitir una decoración u ornamentación, que generalmente está sujeta a las influencias técnicas y decorativas de cada época y que hace participar a la encuadernación en las artes decorativas. Si su objetivo fundamental es utilitario, es decir de protección y manejabilidad, su segunda función, también esencial, es la de embellecer y revalorizar su contenido. Por tanto contribuye a la elaboración de la historia del libro y, también, a través de la encuadernación se pone de manifiesto el gusto de cada época que conjuga la técnica con la belleza de las formas.

Abstract:

The last stage of the elaboration of the majority of books is the bookbinding. This one consists of uniting the sheets or leaves of the books with the cover, forming a unitary set for its better conservation and facility in the use. It appears when the book adopts its square form and is born with an eminently functional aim, to protect it against the external aggressions. At the same time, it is going to admit a decoration or ornamentation that is generally subject to the technical and decorative influences of every time. Thus then, the bookbinding has two aspects: the technique and the art; is utilitarian, is to say of protection and manageability, his second function, also essential, is to embellish it and to upgrade its content. Its study is one of the tasks that contribute to the elaboration of history book. Through her, the taste of every time is shown, aside from the global vision of an applied art, which conjugates the technique with the beauty of the forms.

Encuadernaciones artísticas, exposición virtual, Biblioteca de la Universidad de Navarra, España

2011-11-11T23:00:00.008Z

Encuadernaciones artísticas

URL

Presentación:
Las encuadernaciones proporcionan el primer contacto físico y visual de los libros. Las encuadernaciones tienen una razón de utilidad y también estética, que las introduce en la historia del arte con sus estilos artísticos, y ponen de manifiesto el gusto de cada época.

La Biblioteca de la Universidad de Navarra ha incorporado a lo largo de su corta historia una interesante colección de libros antiguos procedentes fundamentalmente de donaciones.

El estado de conservación de los libros se acusa de forma particular en las encuadernaciones, desgastadas por el uso, rozadas inevitablemente por la madera de los anaqueles y dañadas en sucesivos traslados desde antiguo. La restauración, que no llegó a todos los libros, se debe principalmente a Garazi Valverde Bilbao, también a Sergio Robles Salgado y a Blanca Gallejones Gutiérrez.

En la exposición se ofrecen de forma sistemática ejemplares representativos de cada estilo artístico. Las mejores piezas son las góticas y platerescas, también las románticas. Cuando falta alguna muestra representativa se exponen ejemplos de la Biblioteca Nacional de España, de la Biblioteca Municipal de Madrid, de la Biblioteca de la Universidad de Valencia, de la la Biblioteca Goyeneche y de la Librería Luces de Bohemia de Zaragoza.

"Encuadernaciones mudéjares" por Zamora (2008)

2011-11-07T23:00:00.004Z

Zamora, María Isabel Álvaro; “Encuadernaciones mudéjares”, Artigrama 23 (2008) 445-481
PDF

Resumen:

Estudio de las encuadernaciones mudéjares de los siglos XV y XVI. En él se analizan sus características, precedentes en los talleres de encuadernación de al-Andalus y el Magreb, tipologías de cubiertas, materiales, técnicas decorativas, estética y repertorio ornamental, en las que se fusiona la tradición islámica dominante con algunos elementos propios de la encuadernación y arte occidentales.

Alaska Fur ID Project

2011-10-31T18:34:00.000Z

"Alaska Fur ID project (www.alaskafurid.wordpress.com) is an online resource created by Ellen Carrlee, conservator at the Alaska State Museum in Juneau, and conservation fellow Lauren Horelick (and partially funded by the FAIC Carolyn Rose Take a Chance grant) to aid in the identification of fur on both historic and Alaskan Native objects. This easily accessible fur ID website, posted in blog format, presents a wealth of diagnostic information on nearly 50 Alaskan animal species including hoofed animals, rodents, hares, canines, felines, bears, weasels, and marine mammals."

"While the Alaska Fur ID project was inspired by the Czech Furskin website (http://www.furskin.cz/), which presents diagnostic information on skin and fur together with SEM images, the Alaska Fur ID website is specifically tailored to aid those using primarily transmitted or polarized light microscopy to identify the sources of individual animal hairs."

(Source: AIC blog, full post can be read here)

"Anglo-Saxon inscribed sheaths from Aachen, Dublin and Trondheim" by Okasha (1992)

2011-10-28T23:00:00.004+01:00

Okasha, Elisabeth; “Anglo-Saxon inscribed sheaths from Aachen, Dublin and Trondheim”, Medieval Archaeology 36 (1992) 59-66

PDF

Abstract:
Three Anglo-Saxon inscribed (leather) sheaths are discussed in detail, and compared with other contemporary sheaths for small angle-backed weapons. An appendix lists all known examples.

Briefcase, 1763–64, The Met Museum of Art

2011-10-18T22:38:00.000+01:00

Buff leather coat, 17th century, Victoria & Albert Museum

2011-10-05T23:00:00.006+01:00

"A Great Lakes pouch: black-dyed skin with porcupine quillwork" by Cruickshank et al (2009)

2011-09-23T23:00:00.006+01:00

Cruickshank, P.; Daniels, V.; King, J.; “A Great Lakes pouch: black-dyed skin with porcupine quillwork”, British Museum Technical Research Bulletin 3 (2009) 63-72

PDF

Summary:

A late eighteenth-century North American pouch (1937,0617.1) represents an important type of a black-dyed skin bag decorated with porcupine quillwork. The pouch was made by women of the Ojibwa or Ottawa people and was probably used in medicine ceremonies. It came to the British Museum in the mid-twentieth century and when first examined in detail in the 1970s had already deteriorated. The skin has degraded due to the presence of a black dye, although an early watercolour painting of the bag discovered in the 1990s illustrates how the bag once looked. Black dyes containing both iron and tannin are well known to increase the rate of deterioration of many organic substances and the pouch was found to contain 1.63% iron. Experiments with a series of brain-tanned skin samples stained with various iron-tannin solutions and artificially aged showed that the presence of iron accelerated the deterioration of the skin.

A conservation treatment carried out in the 1970s, which included consolidation with soluble nylon and backing with nylon net adhered with an early thermoplastic adhesive, was no longer succeeding in keeping the bag intact, and further conservation was carried out to protect the 75% of the bag that survives. As the pouch is of a rare type it was decided to infill the missing areas to make it more suitable for display. The use of adhesives was kept to a minimum and solvent-reactivated adhesives were chosen in preference to those reactivated by heat. No further chemical stabilization was attempted in this treatment.

"On oxidative degradation of parchment and its non-destructive characterisation and dating" by Možir et al (2011)

2011-09-16T23:55:00.003+01:00

Možir, A.; Strlič, M.; Trafela, T.; Kralj Cigić, I.; Kolar, J.; Deselnicu, V.; Bruin, G.; “On oxidative degradation of parchment and its non-destructive characterisation and dating”, Applied Physics A: Materials Science & Processing 104 (1) (2011) 211-217

DOI: 10.1007/s00339-010-6108-z (restricted access)

Abstract:

Historic parchment is an extremely complex material, not only due to the various methods of production used and various past environmental histories of objects, but also due to its inhomogeneous structure. Many traditional methods of characterisation are empirical, but useful since they have gained recognition by the end-users. In this paper, we investigated the shrinkage temperature of collagen and the influence of lipids contained in parchment on the measurements. While the content of lipids does not seem to significantly affect shrinkage temperature measurements themselves, it strongly affects the decrease of shrinkage temperature of collagen during degradation, and thus its thermomechanical properties. This confirms the high importance of lipid peroxidation during degradation of parchment. While shrinkage temperature determination is a micro-destructive method, we also demonstrated that it is possible to determine this property using near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy based on partial least squares calibration. The root-mean square error of validation (RMSEV), obtained on a set of variously delipidised and degraded samples, was 7°C, so the method could be used for condition assessment or classification of historic objects. Using a set of 185 historic objects dating from 1200–1800, we also developed a method for non-destructive dating of parchment based on NIR spectroscopy using partial least squares regression (RMSEV=72 years), and successfully determined the correct age of a historic charter from the collection of Nationaal Archief, The Netherlands.

Leather working by Hasluck (1904)

2011-09-09T23:00:00.007+01:00

Hasluck, P. N.; Leather working, D. McKay, Philadelphia (1904)

InternetArchive

Preface:

This Handbook contains, in a form convenient foreveryday use, a comprehensive digest of the information on Leather Working,scattered over more than twenty thousand columns of Work — one of the weekly journalsit is my fortune to edit — and supplies concise information on the details ofthe subjects on which it treats.

In preparing for publication in book form the mass ofrelevant matter contained in the volumes of Work, much had to be arranged anew,altered, and largely re-written. From these causes the contributions of manyare so blended that the writings of individuals cannot be distinguished for acknowledgement.

Readers who may desire additional information respectingspecial details of the matters dealt with in this Handbook, or instructions onkindred subjects, should address a question to Work, so that it may be answeredin the columns of that journal.

Fauteuil transatlantique by Eileen Gray, 1925-1930, Victoria & Albert Museum

2011-09-02T23:55:00.001+01:00

"The re-treatment of an Inuit beaded skin parka" by Dumka (2006)

2011-08-26T23:00:00.003+01:00

Dumka, Heather; "The re-treatment of an Inuit beaded skin parka", Journal of the Canadian Association for Conservation (J. CAC) 31 (2006) 23-32

PDF

Abstract:

This paper describes the treatment of a badly damaged Inuit parka made of caribou skin and decorated with heavy, beaded fabric panels. The parka was originally repaired in 1967 when most of the panels were restored by re-beading and lining with new fabric, and the skin was repaired with sewn leather patches. This earlier restoration distorted the shape of the parka and did not stabilize the skin, resulting in further tears. The re-treatment of the parka involved removing all of the previous skin repairs as well as the beaded panels. Tears and losses in the skin were patched using BEVA 371 sprayed onto a spun-bonded nylon fabric (Cerex). The parka was then lined with Cerex to provide additional support for the beaded panels, which were stitched back into place. One of the panels, which had not been previously restored, was stabilized and lined onto new fabric prior to reattachment.

Resumé:

Cet article décrit le traitement d'un parka inuit très endommagé, fait en peau de caribou et orné de panneaux en tissu sur lesquels se trouvent de lourdes broderies en perles de verre. Un traitement datant de 1967 avait occasionné la pose de nouvelles perles sur presque tous les panneaux de broderies ainsi que de tissus de soutien sous les panneaux, et la réparation de la peau à l'aide de pièces de cuir cousus aux endroits endommagés. Ce traitement provoqua des distortions à la conformation du parka et ne réussit pas à stabiliser la peau; au contraire de nouvelles déchirures apparurent. Le re-traitement de ce parka consista à retirer les anciens rapiéçages ainsi que les panneaux perlés. Un non-tissé en nylon (Cerex) sur lequel fut pulvérisé du BEVA 371 servit à réparer les peaux déchirées et à combler les lacunes. Ensuite, le parka dans son ensemble fut aussi renforcé au moyen d'un doublage, à l'aide de Cerex et de BEVA 371, afin de mieux soutenir le poids des panneaux perlés, qui furent ensuite recousus en place. Un des panneaux, qui n'avait pas fait l'objet d'une restauration antérieure, fut stabilisé et doublé sur un tissu neuf avant d'être recousu en place.

Cabinet, Venice (?), 1580-1600, Victoria & Albert Museum

2011-08-21T23:55:00.001+01:00

"Creación de un protocolo de la encuadernación que permita controlar el proceso de su restauración" por Díaz-Miranda y Macías (2007)

2011-08-19T23:55:00.002+01:00

Díaz-Miranda y Macías, M. D.; "Creación de un protocolo de la encuadernación que permita controlar el proceso de su restauración", La conservación infalible: de la teoría a la realidad, Actas del III Congreso do Grupo Español del IIC, Madrid (2007) 205-222
PDF

Brownie, Kodak camera, 1950-1959, Victoria & Albert Museum

2011-08-12T23:55:00.009+01:00

"La encuadernación de los libros de coro (...)" por Bueno Vargas (2005)

2011-08-06T11:55:00.003+01:00

Bueno Vargas, J.; “La encuadernación de los libros de coro: las cubiertas de los cantorales de la Abadía del Sacromonte de Granada”, PH Boletín del Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico 53 (2005) 58-69

PDF

Resumen:

Los libros de coro constituyen una tipología muy específica dentro de la historia del libro. Su uso en diferentes instituciones religiosas condicionó tanto su formato, estructura y encuadernación, como los materiales con que se realizaron y los acabados que éstos recibieron. Hoy en día destacan por el mal estado de conservación que en general presentan al haber quedado almacenados en vitrinas o archivos o en sótanos, buhardillas o armarios. En este artículo nos centramos en las particularidades de una colección de cantorales cuyo núcleo principal se confeccionó durante los siglos XVII y XVIII, analizando tanto los materiales como los acabados y sistemas de protección de la encuadernación. Son éstos elementos fundamentales en esta tipología y su estudio suele quedar relegado cuando se abarca el análisis de alguna de estas colecciones. Sirva este trabajo para dedicarles la atención que merecen, no sólo como obras de arte que son, sino por su valor antropológico como objetos fundamentales para entender a la sociedad que los creó y los consideró elementos indispensables en los ritos religiosos.

"Leather material found on a 6th B.C. Chinese bronze sword: a case study" by Luo et al (2011)

2011-07-29T23:00:00.008+01:00

Luo, W.; Si, Y.; Wang, H.; Qin, Y.; Huang, F.; Wang, C.; "Leather material found on a 6th B.C. Chinese bronze sword: a case study", Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy 79(5) (2011) 1630-1633

doi:10.1016/j.saa.2011.05.023 (restricted access)

Abstract:

During July to November, 2006, an important archaeological excavation was conducted in Yun country, Hubei province, southern China. Chinese archaeologists found some remnant of leather materials, covered with red pigments, on a 6th century B.C. Chinese bronze sword. To understand the technology/ies that may have been utilized for manufacturing the leathers, a combined of Raman spectroscopy, FT-IR and XRF was thus applied to the remnant of leather materials. Raman analyses showed that red pigment on the leather was cinnabar (HgS). FT-IR and XRF analyses indicated that the content of some elements, such as Ca (existing as CaCO₃) and Fe (existing as Fe₂O₃), were much higher than those in the surrounding grave soil. The results inferred an application of lime depilation and retting, and the Fe–Al compound salt as tanning agent. And it was furthermore implicated that the Fe–Al salt tanning technique had been developed in the middle and late Spring and Autumn Period of China.

Purse, 1630, The Met Museum of Art

2011-07-22T23:00:00.005+01:00

Pilot aviation helmet, 1918-19, National Postal Museum, Smithsonian Institution

2011-07-15T23:55:00.014+01:00

SI Collections Search Center: Pilot Edward Gardner’s aviation helmet

"Tannins characterisation in new and historic vegetable tanned leathers fibres by spot tests" by Falcão and Araújo (2011)

2011-07-08T23:55:00.034+01:00

Falcão, L.; Araújo, M. E. M.; "Tannins characterisation in new and historic vegetable tanned leathers fibres by spot tests", Journal of Cultural Heritage 12(2) (2011) 149-156

doi:10.1016/j.culher.2010.10.005 (restricted access)

Abstract:

This paper describes the adaptation and evaluation of three chemical tests for tannins characterisation in vegetable tanned leathers. Tests were performed on fibres of new leathers tanned with different known vegetable tannins and historic leathers. Rhodanine test, nitrous acid test and acid butanol test, developed to identify, respectively, gallotannins, ellagitannins and condensed tannins, are described. Ferric test and vanillin test, the two traditional tests used for vegetable tanned leathers characterisation, were also performed and their usefulness discussed. Gallic acid, ellagic acid and catechin, structural constituents of the different classes of tannins were also tested. Results of the developed methodology allowed the identification of tannins’ chemical class in new and historic leather samples studied. Data obtained permitted to verify the information on tanning materials used in new leathers. Vegetable tanning technology was confirmed in historic samples and tannins were characterised. This study shows that these tests are useful and can be a valuable source of information to evaluate new vegetable tanned leathers quality for conservation and restoration purposes as well as historic leathers tanning technology.

Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizami, 1510, The Met Museum of Art

2011-07-02T00:37:00.002+01:00

"Khamsa (Quintet) of Nizam [Shiraz, Iran] (13.228.6)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/13.228.6 (March 2007)

The leather specimen book by La Croix (1917)

2011-06-24T23:00:00.042+01:00

La Croix, F. W.; The leather specimen book, Milwaukee, 1917
InternetArchive

Preface:

The many requests for information about leather that are constantly received by the advertising department of the Pfister & Vogel Leather Co. from merchants of leather goods and teachers and students in schools and colleges prompted the publication a few years ago of "How Leather Is Tanned." This pamphlet in a few mimeographed pages undertook to tell in a simple, concise fashion the essential facts in the manufacture of leather and to fill in some measure the almost total lack of descriptive, non-technical works on tanning. Though a great many copies of "How Leather Is Tanned" have been supplied to interested persons, it has been evident that it went only part way with regard to instruction in leather and its manufacture.

The common experience seems to have been that it is difficult to get a clear grasp of the subject without the opportunity of inspecting typical samples of leather in connection with the reading. It is as an aid in this respect that "The Leather Specimen Book" has been prepared. Used in connection with "How Leather Is Tanned" it aims to give a knowledge of leathers and the process of tanning sufficiently complete for all purposes not connected with practical tanning.

On account of the almost unlimited variety in methods of finishing leather it has been possible to show only the most common and representative types of finishes. In using this book to identify leather it should be kept in mind that a tanned skin may be embossed and finished so as to have its true nature totally disguised.

Anchorage Loan Conservation Project: conservation case studies - NMNH kayak

2011-06-17T23:55:00.002+01:00

Anchorage Loan Conservation Project: Conservation Case Studies

NMNH kayak: Revising Cultural Attributions and Monitoring Change

URL

"The use of thermal analysis methods for authentication and conservation state determination of historical and/or cultural objects manufactured from leather" by Budrugeac et al (2011)

2011-06-12T23:55:00.012+01:00

Budrugeac, P.; Cucos, A.; Miu, L.; “The use of thermal analysis methods for authentication and conservation state determination of historical and/or cultural objects manufactured from leather”, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 104(2) (2011) 439-450

DOI: 10.1007/s10973-010-1183-0 (restricted access)

Abstract:

Leather products have been useful materials since the dawn of human history. Many leathers objects are valuable treasures due to the history they represent, and their preservation challenges museum custodians and private collectors alike. In this article, the applications of thermal analysis methods (Micro Hot Table (MHT), thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA)) for the characterization of the recently manufactured and old leathers are presented. These methods can be used for the assessment of deterioration degree of leathers, and, therefore, the data obtained by these techniques could be useful for achievement of the suitable preservation procedures as well as the effects of conservation treatments. In addition, it was pointed out that these methods are suitable for qualitative distinction between the recently manufactured leathers and heritage items.

"Characterisation and evaluation of the environmental impact on historical parchments by DSC" by Badea et al (2011)

2011-06-11T23:00:00.002+01:00

Badea, E.; Della Gatta, G.; Budrugeac, P.; “Characterisation and evaluation of the environmental impact on historical parchments by differential scanning calorimetry”, Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 104(2) (2011) 495-506

DOI: 10.1007/s10973-011-1495-8 (restricted access)

Abstract:

Our recent developments concerning the assessment of parchments deterioration using DSC are reported. Measurements performed on samples in excess water conditions, in static air and gas flow provided qualitative and quantitative information on parchment ageing and deterioration at microscopic and mesoscopic level, when assembly of fibres/fibrils is weakened, partially and eventually completely lost, and at molecular level, when triple helix uncoiling occurs. A damage ranking scale based on a large collection of DSC parameters obtained by investigating artificially aged samples was set up. Deconvolution of the DSC thermal denaturation peaks in excess water enabled evaluating and discriminating stability of parchments with similar damage levels. Further experimental evidences such as softening of the crystalline fraction of collagen, thermal-oxidation and collagen gelatinisation were detected by DSC measurements in gas flow and static air, and related to specific deterioration patterns. DSC measurement of wet samples provided an objective and reliable method for evaluating parchment shrinkage temperature overcoming the limitations of conventional methods.

"An easy-to-build museum saddle mount" by Shevchuk (2009)

2011-06-04T23:55:00.000+01:00

Shevchuk, Paul; "An easy-to-build museum saddle mount", Conserve O Grams 9/2 (2009)
PDF

From the introduction:

This Conserve O Gram provides guidance on how to build a mount to support and store a large saddle with component parts (straps, stirrups) in the way it was intended to be used. This mount is strong, light-weight, and easy to move or transport, and uses cabinet space efficiently.

"Non-destructive spectroscopic characterization of parchment documents" by Bicchieri et al (2011)

2011-05-27T23:55:00.015+01:00

Bicchieri, M.; Monti, M.; Piantanida, G.; Pinzari, F.; Sodo, A.; “Non-destructive spectroscopic characterization of parchment documents”, Vibrational Spectroscopy 55(2) (2011) 267-272

doi:10.1016/j.vibspec.2010.12.006 (restricted access)

Abstract:

Membranaceous substrates – widely found in library heritage– are truly challenging, due to the variety of manufacturing traditions, the intrinsic variability of the animal's skin and the different degradation patterns affecting documents along ageing. Moreover, when dealing with unique and delicate objects as cultural heritage specimens, sampling is never recommended and often explicitly forbidden. Aim of the research presented in this work is to achieve correct protocols for unambiguous characterization of the document's materials chemical structure and of the possible surface treatments.

Experimental results allow us to evidence that the chosen non-destructive techniques (Raman, ATR-FTIR and SEM/EDS) provide a good differentiation between parchment manufacturing procedures, western with lime and eastern with enzymatic treatment. Incrustations of salts on the surface as well as superficial treatment with tannin can be clearly detected. Origin of tannin – from the surface or in ink – can also be distinguished.

Choice of the better technique is sample-dependent, since preparation methods, degradation, presence of incrustations, amount of tannin, dehairing method can differently affect the spectral features. For instance, Raman appears to be the most effective molecular technique on western parchment, whereas ATR-FTIR allows distinguishing the enzymatic dehairing procedure from the chemical one.

Qur'an case, Nasrid period, Spain, 15th century, The Met Museum of Art

2011-05-20T23:55:00.002+01:00

"Qur'an case [Spain] (04.3.458)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/04.3.458 (October 2010)"

Leather embroidered with gilt-silver wire.

"L'évolution des différentes méthodes de tannage" par Thuau (1921)

2011-05-16T23:55:00.000+01:00

Thuau, U.; "L'évolution des différentes méthodes de tannage", Le Cuir 10(4) (1921) 80-84
URL

"Skin tight" by McHugh (2011)

2011-05-09T23:00:00.016+01:00

McHugh, S.; "Skin tight", The ethnographic conservation newsletter of the Working Group on Ethnographic Materials of the ICOM Committee for Conservation 32 (2011) 8-11
PDF

Introduction:

In 2009 an unusual and complex treatment was carried out at the National Gallery of Australia on a skin covered Janiform (two faced) mask from Nigeria. Now an important part of the National Gallery’s small African collection, the Janiform mask was already in poor condition when it was acquired in 1974. As suggested by the name, it has two faces back to back, thought to be male and female, with raised designs imitating local scarification practices. It is constructed from what is believed to be antelope skin, stretched over a two part hard wood structure, and a loss to one side of the wood had caused movement and subsequent tears and losses to the skin. Testing was carried out to determine the most effective methods and materials for the necessary repairs, based on a literature search for treatments on similar materials. A brief mention in one paper of natural skin condoms caught the conservators’ attention and these eventually turned out to be the most useful material tested and key to the success of the treatment that followed.

"Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of new and historical parchments and leathers.." by Cucos et al (2011)

2011-05-05T23:00:00.005+01:00

Cucos, A.; Budrugeac, P.; Miu, L.; Mitrea, S; Sbarcea, G.; "Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of new and historical parchments and leathers: correlations with DSC and XRD", Thermochimica Acta 516, Issues 1-2 (2011) 19-28
doi:10.1016/j.tca.2011.01.006 (restricted access)

Abstract:

A sort of pure collagen, 22 sorts of new parchments, 35 sorts of old (14th–19th centuries) parchments, 19 sorts of new vegetable tanned leathers and 31 sorts of old (15th–19th centuries) leathers were investigated by DMA technique in tensile mode from room temperature to 260 °C. The obtained results were correlated with those determined by DSC measurements performed in N₂ flow in the same temperature range and by XRD. It was pointed out that all collagen-based materials contain a “crystalline” region exhibiting a phase transition (“melting”) in the temperature range 210–260 °C, which is characterized by an endothermic peak in the DSC curve and an abrupt decrease of storage modulus in DMA. Differences in the parameters of this phase transition, related to various deterioration levels, were put in evidence and discussed.

Shoes, ca.1700, Victoria & Albert Museum

2011-04-27T23:55:00.003+01:00

"Biodeterioration of archeological leather" by Strzelczyk et al (1997)

2011-04-17T23:55:00.010+01:00

Strzelczyk, A. B.; Bannach, L.; Kurowska, A.; “Biodeterioration of archeological leather”, International Biodeterioration and Biodegradation 39(4) (1997) 301-309(9)

doi:10.1016/S0964-8305(97)00026-7 (restricted access) / PDF

Abstract:

Leather objects are frequently found in archaeological excavation. Often this material is contaminated with mineral salts which crystallize on the surface upon excavation. Unconserved finds are easily attacked by microorganisms. The microflora growing on untreated as well as conserved leather artifacts were studied. Conservation treatments investigated include: mechanical cleaning, wet cleaning, wet cleaning in Canpac solution, chemical cleaning in orthophosphoric acid, sumach retanning, Al₂(SO₄)₃ tawed, van Soest dressing, and silicone liquor.

Hat box, 1890-1899, Victoria & Albert Museum

2011-04-05T23:55:00.000+01:00

Die Kollagenmatrix archäologischer Funde im Vergleich zu künstlich gealterten Ledermustern historischer Gerbverfahren von Bernhard Trommer (2004)

2011-03-28T23:55:00.004+01:00

Bernhard Trommer, Die Kollagenmatrix archäologischer Funde im Vergleich zu künstlich gealterten Ledermustern historischer Gerbverfahren, PhD Dissertation, Fakultät für Werkstoffwissenschaft und Werkstofftechnologie der Technischen Universität Bergakademie Freiberg (2004)
PDF

Abstract:

Ausgangspunkt der wissenschaftlichen Arbeit bildet eine Recherche historischer Leder- und Gerbarten. Die Quellen wurden auf ihren technologischen Wahrheitsgehalt überprüft. Dazu wurden über 30 Rezepturen historischer Gerbarten entwickelt und halbtechnisch erprobt. Im Ergebnis entstanden Referenzleder, welche analysiert und experimentell auf ihr Alterungs- und Abbauverhalten untersucht wurden. Die klassischen Methoden der Lederprüfung, die Elektronenstrahlmikroskopie (SEM/ EDX), die UV- und FT-IR-Spektroskopie, RP-HPLC- sowie die DSC-Analyse wurden für die Untersuchung der Referenzleder benutzt und weiterentwickelt. Die Erkenntnisse aus Recherche, technologischer Rekonstruktion, Simulation und Analyse wurden an archäologischen Lederfunden evaluiert. Das Alter der untersuchten Funde umfaßt eine Zeitspanne von 100 bis 3.300 Jahren. Bei der Wahl der Objekte wurde auf ein unterschiedliches Fundortmilieu Wert gelegt, um die Auswirkungen typischer Standortbedingungen auf die Ledermatrix zu erforschen.

Coat made from salmon skin, ca.1900, Victoria & Albert Museum

2011-03-19T23:55:00.000Z

"Some Notes on the Chemical Technology in an 11th Century Arabic Work on Bookbinding" by Levey et al (1956)

2011-03-12T23:55:00.003Z

Levey, M.; Krek, M.; Haddad, H.; "Some Notes on the Chemical Technology in an Eleventh Century Arabic Work on Bookbinding", Isis 47 (1956) 239–243
JSTOR (restricted access)

"Appendix: Notes on the restoration of the Behaim shields" by Faltermeier & Meyer (1995)

2011-03-07T23:58:00.006Z

Faltermeier, Christel; Meyer, Rudolf; "Appendix: Notes on the Restoration of the Behaim Shields", Metropolitan Museum Journal 30 (1995) 53-60
JSTOR (restricted access) | PDF

"The seven shields of Behaim: new evidence" by Nickel (1995)

2011-03-07T23:55:00.020Z

Nickel, Helmut; "The Seven Shields of Behaim: New Evidence", Metropolitan Museum Journal 30 (1995) 29-51
JSTOR (restricted access)| PDF

Frame drum, 19th century, The Met Museum of Art

2011-02-24T23:55:00.004Z

"Treatment and technical study of a Lakota beaded hide" by Nicole Ledoux (2010)

2011-02-16T23:55:00.012Z

Nicole Ledoux, "Treatment and Technical Study of a Lakota Beaded Hide", ANAGPIC 2010 Annual Student Conference, Queen's University at Kingston Art Conservation Department (2010)
PDF

Abstract:

This paper discusses the conservation and technical study of a Lakota (est.) beaded hide object in very poor condition. The piece, whose original function is not known, was reported as collected in the late 19th or early 20th century by John Anderson, a photographer living on the Rosebud reservation in South Dakota. It was passed down through family lines until it was recently donated to the UCLA/Getty conservation program. At some point in its history, the piece suffered liquid damage that has drastically altered more than half of the hide area, causing darkening, embrittlement, and fragmentation, as well as damage to the associated beadwork, including localized staining resulting in part from bead corrosion. In order to better understand these alterations and their implications for conservation treatment, a technical study has been undertaken that includes both morphological characterization and materials analysis of the hide and tannins. Continued work has included identification of bead composition and characterization of the various alteration products, as well as consultation with tribal and museum experts about original function and appropriate loss compensation. This object provides an interesting case study for investigating the deterioration of hide and the approach taken in treating such significantly altered material.

"Cuoi dipinti a Venezia. La carità." di Vanni Tiozzo (2003)

2011-02-10T23:00:00.006Z

Vanni Tiozzo; "Cuoi dipinti a Venezia. La carità.", Dipartimento Tecniche e Restauro dell’Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia, Venezia (2003) 51-54
URL

Dalla introduzione:

I cuoi dipinti della Carità giacevano dimenticati in un cassone dipinto nella Direzione della Accademia di Belle Arti di Venezia. Il cambio della Direzione, quando successe il prof. Riccardo Rabagliati al prof. Antonio Toniato, impose il riordino dell’ufficio e l’attenzione della dott.ssa Rita Zanchi fece rinvenire un rullo rabberciato di colore marrone dal quale si scorgeva la parte interna dipinta. La gentile signora ne parlò con l’allora decano, il prof. Mario Guadagnino, il quale, ne aveva solo un vago ricordo e propose al Direttore di affidarli al corso di restauro affinché potessero venire meglio conservati; da questo aneddoto inizia il percorso di cui ora vi diamo conto.

Leather and leatherworking in Anglo-Scandinavian and Medieval York by Mould et al (2003)

2011-02-04T23:55:00.003Z

Mould, Q.; Carlisle, I.; Cameron, E.; Leather and leatherworking in Anglo-Scandinavian and Medieval York, Vol.17: Small Finds, Fasc.16: Craft, Industry and Everyday Life, The Archaeology of York (2003)
PDF

From the summary:

This volume, the collaborative work of a number of authors, presents the surviving evidence for the manufacture and the use of leather artefacts at York during the Anglo-Scandinavian and medieval periods. It is based around the internationally important group of Anglo-Scandinavian leatherwork from 16-22 Coppergate, along with smaller amount od medieval material recovered from the site, supplemented by groups recovered from the Coppergate watching brief, excavations at 22 Piccadilly, and at the site of the Foundry and College of Vicars Choral at Bedern. Over 5000 items of leather dating from the 9th–15th century from Coppergate and other sites in the city are represented, some 550 of which have been fully catalogued in this fascicule. The close dating of the deposits belonging to the earlier years of occupation at Coppergate makes the 9th- to 11th-century material of particular significance.

"The potential for extraction and exploitation of DNA from parchment" by Bower et al (2010)

2011-01-29T23:00:00.004Z

Bower, Mim A.; Campana, Michael G.; Checkley-Scott, Caroline; Knight, Barry ; Howe, Christopher J.; "The potential for extraction and exploitation of DNA from parchment: a review of the opportunities and hurdles", Journal of the Institute of Conservation 33(1) (2010) 1-11

DOI: 10.1080/19455220903509937 (restricted access)

Abstract:

The isolation and analysis of DNA from parchment has the potential to provide a great deal of information about the material that was difficult or impossible to obtain before. We review progress in recovering DNA from other ancient and historic materials, and the limited amount of work done so far with parchment and other manuscript material. We discuss the likelihood of being able to recover well preserved DNA from parchment, and the questions that could in principle be addressed. Finally, we comment on the technical advances needed for the field to develop significantly and reliably, and implications for conservators.

Leather panel, ca.1570-90, The Met Museum of Art

2011-01-14T23:55:00.009Z

"Leather Panel (Allegory of Music) [Northern France] (2006.71)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/2006.71 (October 2006)

OPERA Project Website

2010-12-28T23:00:00.002Z

OPERA Old Parchment: Evaluation, Restoration and Analysis
http://www.opera-parchment.it/

Coordinator: Department of Chemistry IFM, University of Turin, Italy
Co-coordinator: School of Conservation, Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, Copenhagen, Denmark

OPERA Project has four institutional partners, four institutional collaborators and ten end-users (archives and museums) from Italy, Denmark, United Kingdom and Romania.

OPERA is using IDAP damage assessment techniques to classify the states of preservation of some collections of historical parchments of various origins. Damage assessment and diagnosis, monitoring and modelling of the environmental impact on parchment demand a detailed knowledge of the mechanisms and paths of deterioration at all levels of its structure. Therefore, deeper characterisation of damage are being achieved by techniques targeting the properties of collagen within parchments at molecular (UV-Vis, FTIR, NIR, GC, HPLC, MS), nanoscopic (AFM, NMR, XRD) and mesoscopic (TA/DTA, TG/DTG, DSC, DMTA, SEM) levels.

Ancient Egyptian Leatherwork and Footwear Project website

2010-12-12T23:00:00.003Z

The official website of the Ancient Egyptian Footwear Project (AEFP) and the Ancient Egyptian Leatherwork Project (AELP) is http://www.leatherandshoes.nl/.

The Projects are described in detail, including the objectives, methodology and researchers. It also includes a list of publications related to these Projects as well as images of (some of) the objects.

"Identification of animal skin of historical parchments by PCR-based methods" by Pangallo et al (2010)

2010-12-05T23:00:00.003Z

Pangallo, D.; Chovanova, K.; Makova, A.; "Identification of animal skin of historical parchments by PCR-based methods", Journal of Archaeological Science 37(6) (2010) 1202-1206
doi:10.1016/j.jas.2009.12.018 (restricted acess)

Abstract:

This study deals with establishing of a PCR-based strategy with the aim to recognize the animal origin of different historical parchments. This is one of relatively rare studies on the analysis of ancient DNA from parchments. Robustness of the PCR technology is demonstrated by successful identification of the animal species using only a small amount of DNA isolated from 12 parchment samples. Ten PCR-based assays specific for the detection of different animal species (Bos taurus, Ovis aries, Capra hircus, Sus scrofa, Oryctolagus domestica, Cervus elaphus, Capreolus capreolus, Dama dama) and two PCR assays utilizing universal primers were evaluated and optimized with the aim to find a rapid parchment identification method, which would be more reliable than the classical microscopic examination. The optimized PCR methods produced satisfactory results. Out of 12 investigated parchments, 9 items were unambiguously identified, DNA from 2 samples could not be amplified with any of the species-specific PCR assays, and only one parchment produced controversial results. The species-specific PCR results were confirmed by direct sequencing and PCR cloning with consequent sequencing. Our approach, including isolation of parchment DNA by chaotropic solid-phase extraction, optimization of the PCR programs and high-stringency annealing temperatures, demonstrated to be effective, easy and reliable for the analysis of historical parchment DNA. We consider this PCR-based strategy potentially useful also for investigation of other types of animal items conserved in museums, galleries or libraries.

"Nature, production and regulation in eighteenth-century Britain and France: the case of the leather industry" by Riello (2008)

2010-11-27T23:55:00.002Z

Riello, G.; “Nature, production and regulation in eighteenth-century Britain and France: the case of the leather industry”, Historical research 81 (211) (2008) 75-99

DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2281.2007.00413.x (restricted access) / PDF

Abstract:

Leather was, in the pre-industrial economy, a scarce material used in the production of a wide range of goods. The supply of leather was influenced by the national cattle asset and its slaughtering rate. The difficulty in increasing leather production to meet the demands of a 'consumer revolution' was the subject of theoretical debates and practical intervention. The state controlled and organized the leather market through fiscal and commercial policies. This article offers a comparative analysis of the French and the British leather markets in the eighteenth century. In France, the state assumed an organizational function in the creation of a national leather market. In Britain, by contrast, the state simply regulated an existing market. These different political interventions influenced the dynamics of development of leather production and the leather trades in the two countries. While France suffered from an endemic absence of leather, Britain was able to satisfy its increasing demand efficiently.

Powder flask, Italy, c.1560, Victoria & Albert Museum

2010-11-15T23:55:00.001Z

Man made mobile: Early saddles of Western North America by Ahlborn (1980)

2010-11-08T23:50:00.002Z

Ahlborn, Richard E.; Man made mobile: Early saddles of Western North America, Smithsonian Studies in History and Technology 39, Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington (1980)

PDF

Abstract:

This study of early forms of saddles in Western North America features four distinct discussions: major horizons (wide-spread appearances of historical prototypes) within the sixteenth through nineteenth centuries; Mexican origins of form and associated activities; development among U.S. riders before the professional cowboy era (post-Civil War); and development of equestrian equipment among the Plains Indians collateral to the emergence of the U.S. western stock saddle. The four essays are followed by an illustrated catalogue of the equestrian artifacts drawn from the Smithsonian Institution’s holdings and from other important collections for an exhibition at the Renwick Gallery, 1974-1976. There is also a glossary of Spanish and English equestrian terms used in this study. It is projected that this presentation of early saddle forms with many well-documented illustrations and descriptions will provide both a reference source and also the inspiration for additional typological and social studies.

"First direct evidence of Chalcolithic footwear from the Near Eastern Highlands" by Pinhasi et al (2010)

2010-10-28T23:50:00.003+01:00

Pinhasi, R.; Gasparian, B.; Areshian, G.; Zardaryan, D.; Smith, A.; Bar-Oz, G.; Higham, T.; "First direct evidence of Chalcolithic footwear from the Near Eastern Highlands", PLoS ONE 5(6) (2010) e10984.

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0010984

Abstract:

In 2008, a well preserved and complete shoe was recovered at the base of a Chalcolithic pit in the cave of Areni-1, Armenia. Here, we discuss the chronology of this find, its archaeological context and its relevance to the study of the evolution of footwear. Two leather samples and one grass sample from the shoe were dated at the Oxford Radiocarbon Accelerator Unit (ORAU). A third leather sample was dated at the University of California-Irvine Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Facility (UCIAMS). The R_Combine function for the three leather samples provides a date range of 3627–3377 Cal BC (95.4% confidence interval) and the calibrated range for the straw is contemporaneous (3627–3377 Cal BC). The shoe was stuffed with loose, unfastened grass (Poaceae) without clear orientation which was more than likely used to maintain the shape of the shoe and/or prepare it for storage. The shoe is 24.5 cm long (European size 37), 7.6 to 10 cm wide, and was made from a single piece of leather that wrapped around the foot. It was worn and shaped to the wearer's right foot, particularly around the heel and hallux where the highest pressure is exerted in normal gait. The Chalcolithic shoe provides solid evidence for the use of footwear among Old World populations at least since the Chalcolithic. Other 4^th millennium discoveries of shoes (Italian and Swiss Alps), and sandals (Southern Israel) indicate that more than one type of footwear existed during the 4^th millennium BC, and that we should expect to discover more regional variations in the manufacturing and style of shoes where preservation conditions permit.

Leather panel, c.1885 by Jacques Dulud, Victoria & Albert Museum

2010-10-20T23:55:00.005+01:00

"The beginnings of leather chemistry" by Seymour-Jones (1927)

2010-10-14T23:55:00.002+01:00

Seymour-Jones, F. L.; "The beginnings of leather chemistry", Journal of Chemical Education 4(7) (1927) 831-835

DOI: 10.1021/ed004p831 (restricted access)

"Parchment ageing study: new methods based on thermal transport and shrinkage analysis" by Riccardi et al (2010)

2010-10-08T23:00:00.006+01:00

Riccardi, A.; Mercuri, F.; Paoloni, S.; Zammit, U.; Marinelli, M.; Scudieri, F.; ”Parchment ageing study: new methods based on thermal transport and shrinkage analysis”, e-Preservation Science 7 (2010) 87-95
PDF

Abstract:

The structure of the parchment and its preservation state have been studied by means of novel methods based on the analysis of the heat diffusion and shrinkage activity. Investigations have been performed on modern, inked and non-inked, parchment artificially aged in different conditions, as well as on modern non-aged and historical parchment samples. By means of the infrared thermography, the thermal diffusivity D has been measured along different directions, perpendicular and parallel to the parchment leaf plane respectively, in order to characterize its anisotropy and the way it depends on ageing. Thermographic investigations have also enabled the analysis of extended micro damages induced in the parchment layered structure by the combined effect of ink and ageing. Finally, quantitative information on the degradation induced by artificially ageing have been obtained by the analysis of the hydrothermal shrinkage activity of the parchment fibres by means of a new method based on light transmission measurements.

"Autoxidation of lipids in parchment" by Strlič et al (2009)

2010-09-28T23:55:00.002+01:00

Strlič, M.; Kralj Cigić, I.; Rabin, I.; Kolar, J.; Pihlar, B.; Cassar, M.; “Autoxidation of lipids in parchment”, Polymer Degradation Stability 94 (6) (2009) 886-890
DOI: 10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2009.03.003

Abstract:

Historic parchment is a macromolecular material, which is complex due to its natural origin, inhomogeneity of the skin structure, unknown environmental history and potential localised degradation. Most research into its stability has so far focussed on thermal and structural methods of analyses. Using gas chromatographic analysis of the atmosphere surrounding parchment during oxidation, we provide the experimental evidence on the production of volatile aldehydes, which can be the products of lipid autoxidation. Oxidation of parchment with different aldehyde emissions was additionally followed in situ using chemiluminometry and the same techniques were used to evaluate the oxidation of differently delipidised parchment. It was shown that the production of peroxides and the emission of aldehydes from the material decrease with lower lipid content. Building on this evidence, we can conclude that the presence of lipids (either initially present in the skin or resulting from conservation intervention) leads to oxidative degradation of collagen and that the non-destructive analysis of the emission of volatiles could be used as a quick tool for evaluation of parchment stability.

Shield, Kenya or Tanzania, The Met Museum of Art

2010-09-17T23:55:00.000+01:00

"Shield [Kenya or Tanzania; Maasai people] (1978.412.644)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000-. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/1978.412.644 (October 2006)

The manufature of leather by Davis (1885)

2010-09-10T23:55:00.003+01:00

Davis, C. T.; The manufacture of leather: being a description of all of the processes for the tanning, tawing, currying, finishing, Carey Baird, Philadelphia (1885)
InternetArchive

From the preface:

Considering the importance of the leather industry, it seems strange that up to the present time it should in technical literature have been so much neglected. There is not in England nor is there in

America

a single current book broadly treating all the branches of this subject, and the object of the present volume is fully to explain the details of manufacturing all kinds of leather in common use, and produced from hides and skins by the agency of the usual tanning substances. The author has not been satisfied to make use of the matter found in obsolete books, but has preferred to present a view of the state of the art as it to-day exists in the

United States

. The tools, machines, and in fact nearly all the mechanical appliances illustrated in the present treatise are of American origin, and in common use in the numerous tanneries and leather-finishing shops of the country.

The collection, compilation, and collation of the vast amount of technical and detailed information attainable relating to the various processes, and to the construction of the numerous machines herein described, have required almost herculean labor. But the work has been greatly aided by many of the leading tanners and curriers of the United States, who have not only placed at the author's disposal every opportunity for personal observation, but have promptly and courteously responded to his letters when containing requests for information. It is doubtful if such facilities as have been extended to him would be granted to a like professional writer on technical subjects in any other country in the world.

"Eastern and western influences on Hungarian footwear of the 13-17th centuries" by Kissné Bendefy (2009)

2010-09-05T23:00:00.001+01:00

Kissné Bendefy, M.; "Eastern and Western influences on Hungarian footwear of the thirteenth-seventeenth centuries", in I. Éri (ed.), Conserving textiles: Studies in Honour of Ágnes Timár-Balázsy, ICCROM Conservation Studies 7 (2009) 87-96
PDF

From the text:

This paper summarizes some of the conclusions from our study of the type and technology of Hungarian footwear between the 13th and 17th centuries; this study has been undertaken for nearly ten years by the author and Judit Bakay-Perjés. Our research has been based on finds from archaeological excavations of Hungarian sites and on objects that were taken into historic collections; most of the finds are complete shoes and boots, and are primarily men's footwear.

"Sir Humphry Davy and the leather industry" by Spiers (1968)

2010-08-27T23:55:00.003+01:00

Spiers, C. H.; “Sir Humphry Davy and the leather industry'”, Annals of Science 24 (2) (1968) 99-113

DOI:10.1080/00033796800200071 (restricted access)

Excerpt from the text:

A somewhat strange feature of the life of Sir Humphry Davy is that during the period roughly between July 1801 and December 1802, when he was intensely interested in galvanism and inorganic chemistry and was at the commencement of a brilliant career, he was caused to divert a considerable part of his time and energies to the organic fields represented by vegetable tanning materials and leather manufacture. This diversion is certainly of great significance to leather chemists, not merely on account of the undoubted merits of his contributions in these fields, but also because they make him a claimant for the title of the first leather chemist.

Moreover, he is the most eminent chemist ever directly to have concerned himself with this ancient industry.

Water-bag, Jordan, 1970, The British Museum

2010-08-20T23:00:00.008+01:00

Water-bag; made of animal skin; entire skin of animal, with back legs tied together and twisted fibre rope tied to legs; front legs held shut with fibre rope which is tied to other rope for carrying strap; head opening held shut with horse hair rope.

Japanese tobacco pouch and pipe, 18th century, The Met Museum of Art

2010-08-12T23:55:00.004+01:00

"Tobacco pouch and pipe [Japanese] (14.40.843a,b)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/14.40.843a,b (November 2009)

The taxidermist's manual by Brown (1856)

2010-08-07T23:55:00.003+01:00

Brown, T.; The taxidermist's manual: or, The art of collecting, preparing, and preserving objects of natural history designed for the use of travellers, conservators of museum and private collectors, A. Fullarton & Co., Edinburgh (1856)
GoogleBooks

The Museum of Leathercraft, Northampton (UK)

2010-07-29T23:55:00.002+01:00

The Museum of Leathercraft, Northampton

http://www.museumofleathercraft.org/

The Museum of Leathercraft is internationally acknowledged as having one of the finest collections of leather artifacts in the world. Founded in 1946 by John Waterer and Claude Spiers, the museum now has over 5000 leather objects, examples of ingenuity, creativity and superb craftsmanship that serve to show the importance of leather as a raw material across the centuries.

(Text from the website)

"La chasuble en cuir de Saint Bertrand de Comminges" par Aribaud (1997)

2010-07-23T23:00:00.003+01:00

Aribaud, Christine; “La chasuble en cuir de Saint Bertrand de Comminges“, Mémoires de la Société Archéologique du Midi de la France, t. LVII (1997) 143-156

PDF

Sommaire:

La chasuble en cuir doré de la cathédrale de Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges est, selon la tradition, héritée de Donadieu de Griet, évêque de Comminges de 1625 à 1635. Or son étude stylistique et technique démontre qu'elle se rattache à un ensemble peu connu de vêtements liturgiques en cuir, probablement produits en Allemagne du sud dans le premier tiers du XVIIIe siècle.

Head of Christ by Petrus Christus, ca.1445, The Met Museum of Art

2010-07-16T23:55:00.001+01:00

"Petrus Christus: Head of Christ (60.71.1)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/works-of-art/60.71.1 (December 2008)

"A combined Raman microscopy, XRF and SEM–EDX study of three valuable objects..." by Chaplin et al (2010)

2010-07-07T23:55:00.006+01:00

Chaplin, T. D.; Clark, R. J. H.; Martinón-Torres, M.; “A combined Raman microscopy, XRF and SEM–EDX study of three valuable objects – A large painted leather screen and two illuminated title pages in 17th century books of ordinances of the Worshipful Company of Barbers, London”, Journal of Molecular Structure 976 (1-3) (2010) 350-359

doi:10.1016/j.molstruc.2010.03.042 (restricted access)

Abstract:

Raman microscopy has been used to identify the pigments decorating three valuable items owned by the Worshipful Company of Barbers (established in 1308 in London), one being a large leather screen dating to before 1712, the other two being illuminated title pages of books of ordinances of the Company dating to 1605 and 1658. Pigments which could not be fully characterised by this technique (particularly the green paints) have also been subject to XRF or SEM–EDX analysis. The combined analytical approach has shown that the pigments identified on all three items are typical of those in use as artists’ pigments in the 17th C and include azurite, indigo, vermilion, red lead, pink and yellow lakes, verdigris, lead white, calcite (and chalk), gypsum, carbon-based black, and gold and silver leaf. However in the case of the screen alone, restoration in the 1980s has been carried out with different pigments – haematite, phthalocyanine green, rutile, and a mixture of azurite, malachite and barium sulfate. This work constitutes the first in-depth study of painted leatherwork and demonstrates that the palette used for this purpose is similar to that used on other works of art of the same date. It has also allowed the original colour schemes of the decorations to be determined where pigment degradation has occurred. The combined analysis has also provided a more complete understanding of the materials used for, or on, objects to which access is limited.

"Artes do couro no Sul Peninsular" por Pereira (1994)

2010-07-01T23:55:00.006+01:00

Pereira, Franklin; "Artes do couro no Sul Peninsular", A Cidade de Évora: Boletim de Cultura da Câmara Municipal 1, II Serie, (1994-1995) 371-395
URL

Resumo:

Franklin Pereira quer mostrar com este artigo os movimentos culturais e a versatilidade estética da arte do couro, hoje entendida como matéria para sapatos, blusões da moda e apetrechos utilitários, ao longo da história.

O uso do couro, tanto a nível popular como artístico, atingiu enorme fama e qualidade nos reinos do Al-Andalus. O autor inicia aqui a sua breve história da arte de trabalhar o couro no Sul Peninsular, terminando no século XVIII.

The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London - The Glove Collection and its Catalogue

2010-06-25T23:55:00.001+01:00

The Worshipful Company of Glovers of London (http://www.gloveassociation.org/) one of the City’s ancient Livery Companies, was formed originally to upkeep the standards of glove-making in the City some 700 years ago. In common with other City Livery Companies, the Glovers have survived and flourished by adapting to modern times, maintaining strong links with their trade, supporting the City with many of its projects, educational bursaries and charitable programmes.

The Company has not forgotten its heritage nor its obligations to posterity and within the Glove Collection Charitable Trust, it maintains and preserves a magnificent collection of gloves since the 16th century to the present day, making it available to the public as far as possible. To this end the Collection has been digitally photographed and descriptive text prepared and the resulting comprehensive CATALOGUE forms part of this web site: http://www.glovecollectioncatalogue.org/

(Text from the website)

Recherches sur le cuir doré, anciennement appelé or basané, par La Quérière (1830)

2010-06-20T23:55:00.003+01:00

La Quérière, Eustache de; Recherches sur le cuir doré, anciennement appelé or basané, et description de plusieurs peintures appropriées à ce genre de décor, F. Baudry, Rouen (1830)
Gallica

"I cuoi 'bulgari' a Venezia" di Stoyanova (2007)

2010-06-14T23:55:00.009+01:00

Stoyanova, M.; "I cuoi 'bulgari' a Venezia" in, L’Europa Centro–Orientale e la Penisola italiana: quattro secoli di rapporti e influssi intercorsi tra Stati e civiltà (1300-1700), a cura di Cristian Luca e Gianluca Masi, Editura Istros, Braila-Venezia (2007) 309-322

Doc

Estratto dalla introduzione:

L’attributo “bulgaro” è molto diffuso, nei documenti veneziani (in particolare in quelli risalenti ai sec. XVII-XVIII), per designare un tipo di cuoio impiegato nella fabbricazione di fodere da destinare alle poltrone, di tende per “armeri alla pretina” e di involucri in cui custodire oggetti trasportabili. Come vedremo in seguito, a parte gli usi suddetti, è possibile che il cuoio avesse, a Venezia e in terraferma, un uso assai più vasto, ad esempio nella marineria e in alcune manifatture speciali, come quelle militare e medica, oppure per rivestire carrozze e custodire strumenti musicali.

Il cuoio cosiddetto bulgaro non è mai stato oggetto di specifiche indagini storiche o tecniche in Bulgaria o in altri paesi balcanici, in quanto tale denominazione non era inclusa nel vocabolario mercantile relativo alla pelle e al cuoio; non trova, infatti, specifica menzione nei documenti d’archivio, nei quali tuttavia tali merci registrano una tipologia molto ampia. Secondo alcuni documenti dell’epoca, nel period compreso fra i sec. XV e XVIII, nell’intera area dei Balcani si acquistavano pelli ricavate dai seguenti animali: montone, bue, bufalo, capra, agnello, castoro, lupo, orso, volpe, coniglio, gatto e sciacallo, oltre ai cosiddetti castroni, corami (crudi, salati o pelosi), boldrini, cordovani e marocchini.

"A DSC study of deterioration caused by environmental chemical pollutants to parchment" by Budrugeac et al (2010)

2010-06-08T23:55:00.002+01:00

Budrugeac, P.; Badea, E.; Della Gatta, G.; Miu, L.; Comanescu, A.; “A DSC study of deterioration caused by environmental chemical pollutants to parchment, a collagen-based material”, Thermochimica Acta 500 (1-2) (2010) 51-62
DOI:10.1016/j.tca.2009.12.010 (restricted access)

Abstract:

A DSC study of new parchments exposed at 25degrees C for 1-16 weeks to controlled atmospheres containing 50 ppm of gaseouschemical pollutants (NO₂, SO₂, NO₂ + SO₂)and 50% relative humidity (RH) was performed. Samples were exposed to chemicalpollutants alone, as well as after previous heating at 100 C for 2-16 daysand/or irradiating with visible light (1.7 x 10(5) lx) for 4-16 h. DSCmeasurements were performed in both sealed crucibles in static air atmosphereat 25-200 degrees C and open crucibles under gas flow (nitrogen, oxygen,synthetic air) at 25-280 degrees C. Analysis of DSC curves provided thevariation induced by ageing on the thermodynamic parameters associated withboth parchment denaturation and softening of collagen crystalline fraction. Allthe ageing procedures decreased both temperature and enthalpy of denaturationand increased broadness of DSC peak in function of ageing time. The occurrenceof thermal oxidation peaks and/or lower temperature endothermic peaks wasobserved. The temperature of the first softening peak always indicated ageneral tendency to decrease as a function of ageing time. Shrinkagetemperature of collagen fibres measured by thermomicroscopy also decreased as aresult of accelerated ageing treatments.

Proceedings of the Joint ICOM-CC Interim Meeting - Multidisciplinary Conservation: A Holistic View for Historic Interiors, Rome 2010

2010-06-01T23:55:00.007+01:00

The Proceedings of the Joint ICOM-CC Interim Meeting Multidisciplinary Conservation: A Holistic View for Historic Interiors held in Rome, 23-26 March 2010, are now available at the ICOM-CC website. The papers related to ICOM-CC Leather and related materials Working Group are as follows:

- Historical and methodological aspects of the 18th century French gilt leather tapestry restoration in a historic house: the Maison Mantin project (Moulins, France) by C. BONNOT-DICONNE, J.P. FOURNET, B.H. PAPOUNAUD
PDF

- Cleaning of tanned leather: testing with Infra Red Spectroscopy and SEM-EDAX by K. MALEA, S.C. BOYATZIS, M. KEHAGIA
PDF

- Analysis and preservation of an ancient alum tawed parchment by I. RABIN, R. SCHÜTZ, E. KINDZORRA, U. SCHADE, O. HAHN, G. WEINBERG, P. LASCH
PDF

(Papers will be freely available just until July, 1)

DLM Ledermuseum, Offenbach

2010-05-27T23:00:00.003+01:00

DLM Deutsches Ledermuseum, Offenbach
http://www.ledermuseum.de/

Das DLM Ledermuseum Offenbach vereinigt drei Museen unter einem Dach: das Deutsche Schuhmuseum mit internationaler Fußbeklei-dung aus vier Jahrtausenden und einer Kunst-galerie, das Museum für angewandte Kunst mit Kunsthandwerk und Design vom Mittelalter bis zur Gegenwart, Schwerpunkt Leder, und das Ethnologische Museum mit den Abteilungen Afrika, Amerika, Asien.

The DLM Leather Museum Offenbach combines three museums under one roof: the Shoe Museum with international footwear of four millennia and an art gallery, the Museum for Applied Art with crafts and design from the Middle Ages to the present, with the focus on leather, and the Ethnological Museum with the African, American and Asian Departments.

(Text from the website)

"John Waterer and the Cuir Bouilli confusion" by Rex Lingwood

2010-05-20T23:55:00.005+01:00

Rex Lingwood, "John Waterer and the cuir bouilli confusion"

PDF

In this beautifully illustrated article, Lingwood takes a critical look at John Waterer's writing on 'Cuir Bouilli' and reviews what it can be said about such diverse historical objects as English blackjacks, bombards and bottles, Italian scroll cases, parade shields and powder flasks, as well as leather armour, based on his detailed examination of these objects and his experience with heat forming processes.

Pair of chopines, c.1600, Victoria & Albert Museum

2010-05-15T23:55:00.001+01:00

Black jacks and leather bottells by Baker (1921)

2010-05-08T23:55:00.007+01:00

Baker, Oliver; Black jacks and leather bottells: being some account of leather drinking vessels in England, London (1921)

URL

(To have a clear picture of what a leather bottel is, have a look at the leather jug webpage from the Museum of London here.)

"Le redoul, herbe des tanneurs et des teinturiers" par Cardon et Pinto (2007)

2010-04-24T23:55:00.003+01:00

Dominique Cardon et Anthony Pinto, "Le redoul, herbe des tanneurs et des teinturiers. Collecte, commercialisation et utilisations d’une plante sauvage dans l’espace méridional (xiii^e-xv^e siècles)", Médiévales (en ligne) 53 (2007) (mis en ligne le 17 décembre 2009)
URL : http://medievales.revues.org/3443

Resumé:
Le redoul ou corroyère, Coriaria myrtifolia L., arbuste indigène des forêts du nord-ouest méditerranéen, très riche en tannins mais toxique, est pris comme exemple de gestion des ressources de l’environnement naturel au Moyen Âge. Ses particularités botaniques et chimiques, indiquées en première partie, expliquent ses applications, durant des siècles, en tannage et en teinture. Les zones et méthodes de récolte mentionnées dans les documents médiévaux – principalement catalans – sont mentionnées, ainsi que les circuits commerciaux à l’échelle régionale et internationale qui organisaient l’exploitation de cette matière première végétale. Enfin, les données techniques sur son emploi en tannage et teinture sont discutées.

Abstract:
Coriaria myrtifolia L. is a wild bush indigenous in the forests and scrublands of north-western Mediterranean countries that is very rich in tannins but toxic. It is here taken as an example of management of natural resources in the Middle Ages. Its botanical and chemical characteristics are described ; they explain its applications for tanning and dying during centuries in that part of the world. The mediaeval documents – mainly from Catalunya – mentioning the places where it was collected and the methods used are discussed, and so are the texts describing the trade at regional and even international scale that was gradually organised to fully exploit this vegetable resource. In a last part, we explain the technicalities of its use in tanning and dyeing processes as they can be inferred from the medieval and later documentation.

"Dating Danish textiles and skins from bog finds by means of 14C AMS" by Mannering et al (2010)

2010-04-12T23:55:00.007+01:00

Mannering, U.; Possnert, G.; Heinemeier, J.; Gleba, M.; "Dating Danish textiles and skins from bog finds by means of ¹⁴C AMS", Journal of Archaeological Science 37(2) (2010) 261-268
DOI:10.1016/j.jas.2009.09.037 (restricted access)

Abstract:

This study presents the results of 44 new ¹⁴C analyses of Danish Early Iron Age textiles and skins. Of 52 Danish bog finds containing skin and textile items, 30 are associated with bog bodies. Until now, only 18 of these have been dated. In this paper we add dates to the remaining finds. The results demonstrate that the Danish custom of depositing clothed bodies in a bog is centred to the centuries immediately before and at the beginning of the Common Era. Most of these bodies are carefully placed in the bog – wrapped or dressed in various textile and/or skin garments. The care with which these people were placed in the bog indicates that they represent a hitherto unrecognised burial custom supplementing the more common burial practice for this period.

Reading chair, 1720-1730, Victoria & Albert Museum

2010-04-07T11:00:00.000+01:00

"The suitability of the DMA method for the characterization of recent and historical parchments and leathers" by Cucos and Budrugeac (2010)

2010-03-27T11:00:00.001Z

Cucos, A.; Budrugeac, P.; "The suitability of the DMA method for the characterization of recent and historical parchments and leathers", The International Journal of Conservation Science 1(1) (2010) 13-18

PDF

Abstract:

The dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA) technique was used for the characterization of some recently manufactured and historical parchments and leathers. The obtained results were correlated with the DSC measurements performed for these biomaterials. We point out the suitability of the DMA method for distinguishing qualitatively between a recently manufactured leather and a patrimonial one, as well as for assessing the deterioration of the parchments and leathers as a result of natural ageing.

Saddlery by Hasluck (1904)

2010-03-18T11:00:00.002Z

Hasluck, Paul N.; Saddlery, D. McKay, Philadelphia (1904)

InternetArchive

Table of contents:

I. Gentleman's Riding Saddle

II. Panel for Gentleman's Saddle

III. Ladies' Side Saddles
IV. Children's Saddles or Pilches

V. Saddle Cruppers, Breastplates, and other Accessories

VI. Riding Bridles

VII. Breaking-down Tackle

VIII. Head Collars

IX. Horse Clothing

X. Knee-caps and Miscellaneous Articles

XI. Repairing Harness and Saddlery

Saddle, 15th century, The Met Museum of Art

2010-03-08T11:00:00.000Z

"Saddle [Tibetan] (2002.225)". In Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History. New York: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2000–. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/tbar/ho_2002.225.htm (August 2007)

Méthodes artisanales de tannage par Mann (1978)

2010-02-20T23:00:00.001Z

I. Mann, Méthodes artisanales de tannage, ONU-FAO, Rome (1962)
GoogleBooks

Sedan chair, c.1750, Victoria & Albert Museum

2010-02-14T23:00:00.000Z

CCI Notes on leather, skin and fur

2010-02-05T23:00:00.007Z

Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) Notes are freely available both in HTML and PDF formats.
CCI Notes related to leather, skin and fur are as follows:

- N8/1 Removing Mould from Leather (1993) HTML / PDF

- N8/2 Care of Alum, Vegetable, and Mineral Tanned Leather (1992) HTML / PDF

- N8/3 Care of Mounted Specimens and Pelts (1988) HTML / PDF

- N8/4 Care of Rawhide and Semi-Tanned Leather (1992) HTML / PDF

These CCI Notes are also available in French here.

"Intervención en un Guadamecí en el IAPH" por García-Otero y Romero (2004)

2010-01-30T23:00:00.002Z

Silvia Patricia Martínez García-Otero, Gabriel Ferreras Romero; "Intervención en un Guadamecí en el Instituto Andaluz del Patrimonio Histórico", Mus-A: Revista de los museos de Andalucía 4 (2004) 154-160

PDF

Le cuir par Lamay (1896)

2010-01-24T23:00:00.003Z

M. Lamay; Le cuir, Collection: Bibliothèque scientifique des écoles et des familles, n.º58, H. Gautier, Paris (1896)
Gallica