29/11/2013

"Evaluation of the use of SC6000 in conjunction with Klucel G as a conservation treatment for bookbinding leather..." by Johnson (2013)

Johnson, Anna; “Evaluation of the use of SC6000 in conjunction with Klucel G as a conservation treatment for bookbinding leather: notes on a preliminary study”, Journal of the Institute of Conservation 36(2) (2013) 125–144.
DOI:10.1080/19455224.2013.815646 (restricted access)

Abstract:
This article begins to address the issue of a lack of reliable data on the effects of materials commonly applied to bookbinding leather by conservators. A series of tests were undertaken with the aim of determining the effects of Klucel G, SC6000 and Renaissance Wax on bookbinding leather. Of the vast array of materials historically applied to damaged leather bindings, these represent types of material with relatively widespread use over the past 20–30 years.
Samples treated with Klucel G, SC6000 and Renaissance Wax, alone and in a specific range of combinations, were exposed to a dry acidic environment for periods of 6 and 12 weeks. Measurements of shrinkage temperature and colour change, as well as comparative fibre assessment, were undertaken for all samples. Penetration of leather by Klucel G-based consolidants was measured by treating samples with consolidant preparations impregnated with a fluorescent marker (UVITEX® OB). These were examined in cross-section under near-ultraviolet (UV) radiation at 60–100× magnification.
For reasons relating to study design and the materials and equipment used, the results produced were not conclusive, but do suggest a need for further investigation. To indicate a possible basis for future research in this area the strengths and weaknesses of the experimental procedures are reviewed.

Résumé:
«L'évaluation de l'emploi du SC6000 en combinaison avec la Klucel G comme traitement de conservation des reliures de cuir: note sur une étude préliminaire».

Cet article commence par évoquer le problème du manque de données fiables sur les effets des matériaux communément appliqués aux reliures de cuir par les restaurateurs. Une série de tests fut entreprise dans le but de déterminer les effets de la Klucel G, du SC6000 et de la cire Renaissance sur les reliures de cuir. Parmi le large panel de matériaux historiquement employés sur les reliures de cuir endommagés, ceux-ci représentent ceux dont l'usage s'est relativement largement répandu durant les dernières 20–30 années. Des échantillons traités avec de la Klucel G, du SC6000 et de la cire Renaissance, seuls ou en combinaison selon une gamme spécifique furent exposés à un environnement sec et acide sur des périodes allant de 6 à 12 semaines. Les mesures des températures de rétrécissement et de changement de couleur, de même que des évaluations comparatives de fibres furent entreprises pour tous les échantillons. La pénétration du cuir par les consolidants à base de Klucel G fut mesurée en traitant les échantillons avec des préparations de consolidant imprégnées d'un marqueur fluorescent (UVITEX® OB). Ceux-ci furent examinés en coupe sous radiations proches des UV avec des grossissements de 60 à 100x.
Pour des raisons relatives au projet d'étude, aux matériaux et aux équipements employés, les résultats produits ne furent pas concluants, mais suggèrent la nécessité d'une recherche plus approfondie. Afin d'établir une base intéressante pour de futures recherches dans ce domaine, les forces et les faiblesses des procédures expérimentales sont passées en revue.

Zusammenfassung
„Auswertung des Gebrauchs von SC6000 in Verbindung mit Klucel G in der Konservierung/Restaurierung von Buchbindeleder: Notizen zu einer Vorstudie”

Dieser Artikel beschäftigt sich mit dem Problem Mangels an verlässlichen Daten zum Effekt von häufig gebrauchten Materialien in der Lederrestaurierung. Es wurde eine Serie von Tests durchgeführt, die die Effekte von Klucel G, SC6000 und Renaissance wax auf Buchbindeleder evaluieren sollten. Bei der großen Auswahl von Materialien, die traditionellerweise an geschädigtem Leder verwendet werden, stellen diese drei Substanzen Materialtypen dar, die während der letzten 20 oder 30 Jahre am relativ häufigsten gebraucht wurden.
Proben, die mit Klucel G, SC 6000 und Renaissance wax, alleine oder in spezifischen Kombinationen, behandelt worden sind, wurden einer trockenen, sauren Umgebung für respektive sechs und zwölf Wochen ausgesetzt. Bei allen Proben wurden Schrumpftemperatur und Farbumschlag gemessen sowie ein Faservergleich durchgeführt. Die Penetration der Leder durch Sicherungsmittel auf Klucel G Basis wurde mit Hilfe eines fluoreszierenden Markers, UVITEX OB, gemessen. Diese Proben wurden als Querschnitte mit ultravioletter Strahlung unter Vergrößerung von 60 bis 100× untersucht.
Aus verschiedenen Gründen, die meist mit dem Aufbau der Studie, der Materialien und der Ausstattung verbunden waren, konnten aus den Resultaten keinen Schlussfolgerungen gezogen werden; allerdings zeigen sie, daß weitere Studien nötig sind. Um für zukünftige Untersuchungen einen Basis zu schaffen, werden die Stärken und Schwächen der verwendeten Methodologie beschrieben.

Resumen
“Evaluación del uso conjunto de SC6000 con Klucel G como tratamiento de conservación para encuadernación en piel: notas sobre un estudio preliminar”.

Este artículo menciona primero, la carencia de datos fiables sobre los efectos de los materiales comúnmente aplicados por los conservadores de la encuadernación en piel. Se realizaron una serie de pruebas con el objetivo de determinar los efectos del Klucel G, SC6000 y la Cera Renaissance en la encuadernación en piel. De la amplia gama de materiales históricamente utilizadas en las encuadernaciones de cueros dañados, los productos mencionados han tenido un uso relativamente generalizado en los últimos 20–30 años.
Las muestras tratadas con Klucel G, SC6000 y Cera Renaissance, solos y en un rango específico de combinaciones, se expusieroon a un ambiente ácido y seco por períodos de 6 y 12 semanas. En todas las muestras, se llevaron a cabo mediciones de contracción por temperatura y de cambio de color, así como se hizo una evaluación comparativa de la fibra. La penetración en la piel por consolidantes basados en Klucel-G se midió mediante el tratamiento de las muestras con las preparaciones consolidantes impregnadas con un marcador fluorescente (UVITEX ® OB). Estas fueron examinadas en la sección transversal, bajo luz ultra violeta (UV) con 60–100× de aumento.
Por motivos relacionados con el diseño del estudio y de los materiales y equipos utilizados, los resultados obtenidos no fueron concluyentes, pero sugieren la necesidad de una mayor investigación. Con el fín de indicar una posible base para futuras investigaciones en esta área, se examinaron las fortalezas y debilidades de los procedimientos experimentales.

22/11/2013

“Um frontal de altar em “couro dourado”/guadameci na Igreja de Santa Eulália, em Vimioso (Trás-os-Montes)” por Pereira (2013)

Pereira, Franklin Manuel; “Um frontal de altar em “couro dourado”/guadameci na Igreja de Santa Eulália, em Vimioso (Trás-os-Montes)”, Cadernos de História da Arte 1 (2013) 99–107.
URL / PDF

Resumo:
O presente texto aborda um frontal de altar em guadameci, presente na Igreja de Santa Eulália,Vimioso; o autor descreve a técnica, a sua origem ibérica, os padrões correntes na época tardo-medieval, e o desenvolvimento da arte fora da Península, nomeadamente a produção industrializada dos Países Baixos do século XVIII, onde se inscreve o frontal em estudo. Considera ainda a partilha de estéticas entre manufacturas – tapeçarias, pintura em tábua e em parede – e a existência de outros frontais de altar em guadameci em Trás-os-Montes.

Abstract:
This article takes into account a gilt leather altar front in the church of Santa Eulália, Vimioso; the author describes the technique, its Iberian origin, the usual patterns in late medieval times, and the further developmentof the art outside the Iberian Peninsula, particularly the industrialized production of the Low Countries in the 18th century, from where this altar front came. It takes into account the sharing of aesthetics between manufactures – tapestries, paintings on wood and on walls – and other altarfronts in gilt leather that exist in Trás-os-Montes.

16/11/2013

Material Traditions - Sewing Salmon, Smithsonian Institution's Arctic Studies Center at the Anchorage Museum (2012)

In December 2012, a five-day Material Traditions: Sewing Salmon Residency was held at the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center at the Anchorage Museum in Alaska. During the residency Alaska Native fish skin artists Coral Chernoff (Alutiiq/Sugpiaq), Marlene Nielsen (Yup’ik), and Audrey Armstrong (Koyukon Athabascan) gave demonstrations and documented the processes involved in creating objects made of fish skin.
Along the way from fish to completed work, they shared their knowledge with students and visitors, and with curators and conservators who care for museum collections.
For information on the Sewing Salmon Residency please watch the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center video post.

08/11/2013

"Theoretical aspects of physical-chemical parameters for the correct conservation of mummies on display in museums and preserved in storage rooms” by Samadelli et al (2013)

Samadelli, Marco; Roselli, Graziella; Fernicola, Vito C.; Moroder, Ludwig; Zink, Albert R., “Theoretical aspects of physical-chemical parameters for the correct conservation of mummies on display in museums and preserved in storage rooms”, Journal of Cultural Heritage 14(6) (2013) 480–484
DOI: 10.1016/j.culher.2012.11.004 (restricted access)

Abstract:
This study is aimed at evaluating physical and chemical parameters which are considered as the most appropriate for the long-term preservation of mummies, distinguishing between those which are on display in museums and those which are preserved in storage rooms. The objective of this study is also to compare and discuss differences among the most widely known guidelines and norms of the field and to highlight the single phenomena which affect the decay of this kind of cultural asset.

Ötzi - the Iceman, South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology Website

Ötzi - the Iceman
South Tyrol Museum of Archaeology
http://www.iceman.it/

01/11/2013

"Tanning in the United States to 1850: a brief history" by Welsh (1964)

Welsh, Peter C., Tanning in the United States to 1850: a brief history, (Bulletin of the United States National Museum 242),  Smithsonian Institution, Washington (1964)
URL / PDF (Smithsonian Digital Repository)

18/10/2013

Xarxa d'Adoberies Històriques de Catalunya

Xarxa d'Adoberies Històriques de Catalunya
URL

Granollers, Igualada, Lleida, Tàrrega i Vic són municipis que conserven importants testimonis i restes patrimonials relacionades amb les adoberies antigues de caràcter històric, moltes convertides avui en museu, centre d'interpretació o espai patrimonial. La suma d'aquests espais patrimonials permet una lectura àmplia i molt completa de l'evolució del treball adober a Catalunya, des dels períodes preindustrials fins a l'època contemporània.
Alhora formen un conjunt d'un alt interès històric, patrimonial i turístic dins l'àmbit català, i cobreixen una àrea geogràfica àmplia, cosa que permet resseguir l'evolució del treball de la pell a Catalunya, des de ponent fins a llevant i del segle XIII al XX .
La importància de les restes que es conserven ha impulsat la creació de la Xarxa d'Adoberies Històriques de Catalunya, que integra cadascun dels espais conservats i vetlla per millorar-ne la conservació, l'estudi, la investigació, la documentació i la difusió.

04/10/2013

"English Medieval leatherwork" by Russell (1939)

Russel, Janet; "English Medieval leatherwork", The Archaeological Journal 96 (1939) 132-141
PDF

27/09/2013

“A report on the examination of animal skin artefacts from the Bronze Age Salt Mines of Hallstatt, Austria” by Harris (2006)

Harris, Susanna; “A report on the examination of animal skin artefacts from the Bronze Age Salt Mines of Hallstatt, Austria”, Papers from the Institute of Archaeology 17 (2006) 69–76
DOI:10.5334/pia.270 / PDF

Research Aims and Method:
The aim of this report is to describe the ten animal skin fragments and artefacts, and to discuss these in relation to the qualities and role of skins as a cloth technology in the Bronze Age. This includes the colour and texture, dimensions and thickness, sewing, seams and edges, use and reuse of these artefacts. These fragments and artefacts have not been studied before and add to the previously published findings of animal skin artefacts from the Bronze Age salt mines, most recently published in a number of articles by Barth (1993; 1992; 1989) and will be discussed in comparison to recent analysis of the textile finds (Grömer 2005) from the same site and in relation to the context of animal skins in the Bronze Age.

20/09/2013

"La pell als habitatges d´època gòtica a la Corona d'Aragó: mobles i objectes" por Pascual Miró (2011)

Pascual Miró, Eva; “La pell als habitatges d’època gòtica a la Corona d’Aragó: mobles i objectes”, Revista d’Igualada 37 (2011) 7–13
PDF

13/09/2013

Die Lederwaren-Industrie in Offenbach am Main und Umgebung von Hager (1905)

Hager, Ludwig; Die Lederwaren-Industrie in Offenbach am Main und Umgebung, Dissertation zur Erlangung der akademischen Doktorwürde einer Hohen Philosophischen Fakultät der Ruprecht-Karls-Universität, Heidelberg (1905)
URL (InternetArchive)

30/08/2013

"Leather manufacturing and circulating models in the Middle Ages...." by Murat (2011)

Murat, Zuleika; “Leather manufacturing and circulating models in the Middle Ages: from a Byzantine patena in Halberstadt to a Veneto-Cretan Icon in Ljubljana”, Zbornik za umetnostno zgodovino 47 (2011) 75–97
URL / PDF

23/08/2013

"Per un'archeologia della produzione in conceria: possibili percorsi d'indagine" di Deferrari (2000)

Deferrari, Giancarla; "Per un'archeologia della produzione in conceria: possibili percorsi d'indagine", in S. Gelichi (a cura di), Atti del I Congresso Nazionale di Archeologia Medievale, Pisa, 29-31 Maggio 1997, All'Insegna del Giglio, Firenze (2000) 363-368

16/08/2013

A comparative study on surface treatments in conservation of dry leather, with focus on silicone oil by Ludwick (2012)

Ludwick, Lena, A comparative study on surface treatments in conservation of dry leather, with focus on silicone oil, BA/Sc thesis, Goteborg, Göteborgs Universitet, 2012
PDF

Abstract:
In the museums, private collections and historical houses, there is a wealth of leather artifacts, in various need of conservation. The treatment options, however, are few, and all with their drawbacks. This thesis aims to evaluate silicone oil as a surface treatment for dry leather, in comparison to two other treatments, Klucel G and British Museum leather dressing (BML). The study shows that the silicone oil treatment yields satisfactory results, and the literature and previous studies have indicated superior long term characteristics. Klucel G gave less than satisfactory results, but has better long term characteristics than the BML, though the BML also had satisfactory direct results. The chemical composition, tanning and deterioration of leather are also described The properties and chemical composition of the silicone oil treatment are reviewed and discussed. The treatment consists of three components: the silicone oil, a cross-linker and a catalyst. They create an internal scaffolding in the cell wall, stabilizing the cellular structure. The biggest drawback of the silicone oil treatment is that it is non-reversible, and that has to be factored in to any decision made to conserve an object. The ethical implications are discussed, and the decision whether or not to use the silicone oil treatment should be done on a case-to-case basis, weighing in all factors.

03/08/2013

"La concia pastorale sannito-romana" di Maio (2009)

Maio, Mimma di; "La concia pastorale sannito-romana", in Soto l'ala di Clio, Solofra (2009) 137-146

La concia solofrana
http://www.solofrastorica.it/conciasolofrana.htm

19/07/2013

Medieval Manuscripts: Bookbinding terms, materials, methods and models (2013)

Medieval Manuscripts:
Bookbinding terms, materials, methods and models
URL / PDF

This beautifully illustrated booklet compiled by the Special Collections Conservation Unit of the Preservation Department of Yale University Library is now online. It is a PDF version of the printed booklet on bookbinding included in the Traveling Scriptorium (http://travelingscriptorium.library.yale.edu/) kit.
It contains sections on materials of Medieval bookbinding; terminology; Carolingian, Romanesque, Gothic, and limp bindings; and a comprehensive bibliography.

05/07/2013

Adhesive treatments: skins and leathers by Dignard (2013)

Carole Dignard, conservator from the Canadian Conservation Institute, organised two valuable documents on adhesive backing treatments of leathers and skins. They were recently made available on-line at the ICOM-CC Ethnographic Collections Working Group web page.
The titles of the documents and the links are as follows:

- Annotated Bibliography on Adhesive Treatments of Skins and Leathers
PDF

- Literature Survey Tables on Adhesives, Backings and Application Methods for Treatments of Skins and Leathers
PDF

01/07/2013

Postprints of the 10th Interim Meeting of the ICOM-CC Leather & Related Materials Working Group (2013)

Céline Bonnot-Diconne, Carole Dignard, Jutta Göpfrich (eds.), Postprints of the 10th Interim Meeting of the ICOM-CC Leather & Related Materials Working Group, Offenbach, 29-31 August 2012, ICOM-CC (2013)
URL

22/06/2013

"Achega ao gremio de curtidores e zapateiros de Pontedeume nos séculos XVII-XVIII” por Costas Fernández e Macedo Cordal (2008)

Costas Fernández, Lucía; Macedo Cordal, Carola; “Achega ao gremio de curtidores e zapateiros de Pontedeume nos séculos XVII-XVIII”, Cátedra: revista eumesa de estudios 15 (2008) 289–380
PDF

07/06/2013

MEMORI EU-Research Project Website

MEMORI European Research Project (2010-2013)
"Measurement, effect assessment and mitigation of pollutant impact on movable cultural assets. Innovative research for market transfer"
http://www.memori-project.eu/

Public final report: PDF (added to this post on April 2014)

"MEMORI Project.....and NANOFORART..." by Odlyha et al (2012)

Odlyha, M.; Bozec, L.; Dahlin, E.; Grøntoft, T.; Chelazzi, D.; Baglioni, P.; et al., “MEMORI Project: evaluation of damage to exposed organic-based heritage materials and NANOFORART: evaluation of nanoparticle-based conservation treatment”, International Journal of Heritage in the Digital Era 1(S1) (2012) 319–324
DOI:10.1260/2047-4970.1.0.319 / PDF

Abstract:
This paper presents preliminary studies and work in progress in the framework of two FP7 projects: MEMORI (Measurement, Effect Assessment and Mitigation of Pollutant Impact on Movable Cultural Assets - Innovative Research for Market Transfer) and NANOFORART (Nano-materials for the conservation and preservation of movable and immovable artworks). One of the aims of the MEMORI project is the determination of threshold levels of damage to exposed organic-based heritage objects as little is known about the impact of organic compounds, especially volatile organic acids, on organic-based cultural objects. In the previous PROPAINT project (Protection of Paintings during Exhibition, Storage Transit) it was recently demonstrated that levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were often much higher in the micro-climate frames used to protect paintings than recommended levels. In this paper, examples will be given of changes observed in varnished strips exposed at selected sites. Studies on the effect on collagen-based materials will also be presented. Techniques used in both projects include Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), micro-thermal analysis (μ-TA), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The NANOFORART project explores the effects of using nanoparticle-based conservation treatment on cellulosic and collagen-based cultural materials. It builds on previous work performed on deacidification of canvas paintings using conventional materials. For collagen-based materials, no previous conservation treatment using nanoparticles has been performed on historical parchment or leather objects. Preliminary work is directed at understanding the type of nanoparticles to use to improve the physicochemical state of collagen-based objects.

26/05/2013

“Diagnostic analyses for the study of materials, technique and state of preservation of a gilt and painted leather of the XVIII century” by Mannina and Lombardo (2013)

Mannina, Loredana; Lombardo, Angela, “Diagnostic analyses for the study of materials, technique and state of preservation of a gilt and painted leather of the XVIII century”, Procedia Chemistry 8 (2013) 202–211
DOI:10.1016/j.proche.2013.03.026 / PDF (ScienceDirect)

Abstract:
In this study we report on the restoration work for the gilded and painted leather from the Sanctuary of the Santissimo Crocifisso di Papardura in Enna, Italy. The work started with a historical and stylistic examination of the artwork which dates back to 18th century. The study of the leather and its decoration was deepened thanks to specific scientific analysis (such as XRF spectroscopy, Raman and SEM) in order to assure the integrity of the material during the restoration work. To this end, a diagnostic procedure was set up to provide a clear picture of constitutive materials (type of leather, silver leaf and pigments), technique, and state of preservation.

"Evaluation of the amino acid composition, structure and properties of archaeological leather" by Plavan et al (2013)

Plavan, Viktoriia; Miu, Lucretia; Gavrilyuk, Nadia; “Evaluation of the amino acid composition, structure and properties of archaeological leather”, Procedia Chemistry 8 (2013) 279–283
DOI:10.1016/j.proche.2013.03.034 / PDF (ScienceDirect)

Abstract:
Specimens of new and archaeological leather before and after restoration were investigated. It was determined that both the ageing of leather and its further restoration affect the amount of polar amino acids in the leather. TG, DTG and DTA studies of the new and archaeological leather before and after restoration allowed a conclusion to be drawn that the prevailing process in the thermal destruction of the new leather is the breakage of cross-linking formed in tanning. In its turn, the prevailing process in the thermal destruction of the restored leather is oxidation of the products of reaction between collagen and organic substances introduced during the restoration.

10/05/2013

“The effects of hydration on the collagen and gelatine phases within parchment artefacts” by Gonzalez and Wess (2013)

Gonzalez, Lee Grant; Wess, Timothy James, “The effects of hydration on the collagen and gelatine phases within parchment artefacts”, Heritage Science 1:14 (2013)
DOI:10.1186/2050-7445-1-14 / PDF (Chemistry Central)

Abstract:
This review discusses the need to understand the effects of relative humidity on parchment and the current understanding of parchment structure and hydration. It also provides a critical evaluation of the body of foregoing research investigating the effects of relative humidity on parchment artefacts. The critical evaluation shows that the current scientific evidence that can be used to inform the debate with regard to relative humidity guidelines for the preservation of parchment artefacts is insufficient, especially in the light of a greater understanding of parchment based documents when considered as composite materials comprising collagen and gelatine. The differential behaviour of collagen and gelatine (and consequently the effect on the interfaces between them) in terms of response to relative humidity changes, is proposed as a key factor to be considered for future studies. This review concludes with an analysis of the next steps required in parchment research in order to provide an informed advisory framework.

30/04/2013

Parchment and vellum special issue, Journal of the Institute of Conservation 35(2) (2012)

About this special issue, an excerpt of Lara Artemis’s editorial:

“ (…) The inspiration for this issue of the journal came as I was browsing yet again the 1992 ‘Vellum and Parchment’ edition of The Paper Conservator. I realized that,—although still a fabulous source for understanding aspects of the nature of parchment—as time has moved on there is scope to update our views on and approaches to the preservation of this extraordinary material. This led to the Icon Editorial Panel agreeing that a 20th anniversary issue would provide a great opportunity to reflect on practices, review what may or may not have changed, and champion past and present conservation.
Over the past 20 years we have seen multifarious innovative parchment studies that have addressed a wide range of complex and challenging preservation needs. Conservation science is constantly exploring new and interesting theories and methodologies to inform approaches to the preservation of this ancient skin. We are always finding ways—from the visual to the forensic—to improve how we preserve parchment, for example protein analysis, the extrapolation of DNA, and exploring virtual (digital) reunification techniques. We have seen early understanding of macro- and microanalysis of parchment develop into a more sophisticated scientific assessment in the form of the Improved Damage Assessment of Parchment (IDAP) system. We have moved beyond Ronald Reed's classic Ancient Skins, Parchment and Leathers, and now rely on international conferences and electronic journals to guide us through the complicated preservation management needs of parchment. (…)”         

And a few lines from Christina Rozeik’s editorial:

“Welcome to this vellum and parchment special issue of the Journal of the Institute of Conservation, which celebrates 20 years since an issue of The Paper Conservator on the same topic. As Lara says, this anniversary issue was conceived in recognition that there was ‘scope to update views and approaches to the preservation of such an extraordinary material’—and I hope that this aim has been amply fulfilled in the articles found here. (...)”

The authors and the articles titles of this special issue of the Journal of the Institute of Conservation are as follows:

- Catherine Rickman, Kate Edmondson, Emma Le Cornu, “The conservation of botanical illustrations on vellum: past, present and future”, pp. 117–136.
DOI:10.1080/19455224.2012.724606 (restricted access)

Abstract:
Botanical illustrations record the physical characteristics of plants. As well as providing a scientific record, the resulting paintings and drawings are often of great artistic merit. This article describes the conservation treatment and preparation of illustrations on vellum for exhibition and long-term storage, focusing on the collections of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Information is given on the history of the collections, their display at the Shirley Sherwood Gallery of Botanical Art during 2008–10 and their future preservation. Methods developed for the humidification, reshaping and mounting of paintings on vellum from the Kew collections are described. This article also reports on interviews with leading contemporary artists working on vellum. Aspects of their materials and working methods that relate to future conservation issues are recorded and future directions for collaboration between botanical artists and conservators are suggested.

- John Gillis, “The methodology used for dewatering the vellum from the Faddan More Psalter”, pp. 137–151.
DOI:10.1080/19455224.2012.744678 (restricted access)

Abstract:
The Faddan More Psalter is an early medieval vellum manuscript discovered in a peat bog in County Tipperary, Ireland in 2006. This paper focuses on a single aspect of its conservation: the dewatering of the saturated vellum text block, a process commonly used to remove excess water and debris from archaeological finds. The surviving vellum fragments had remained saturated for over a millennium in a very wet environment. No vellum of the same antiquity is known to have been conserved from these extreme conditions. As a result, new systems had to be developed and tested in order to find a successful approach to allow this unique manuscript to be conserved. The task was further complicated by the lack of comparable test material available.

- Andrea Pataki-Hundt, “Conservation treatment and stabilization of the ninth-century Stuttgart Psalter”, pp. 152–164.
DOI:10.1080/19455224.2012.745206 (restricted access)

Abstract:
This article describes conservation of the ninth-century Stuttgart Psalter, Württembergische Landesbibliothek, which contains over 300 illuminations on parchment. Some of the illuminations were consolidated with a special brush and sturgeon glue. The spine of the manuscript was released from synthetic glue with Laponite. Two types of repair tissue were used, both of them protein-based, handmade and reproducible in terms of thickness and components. Some losses were filled with handmade goldbeater's skin. Losses due to corrosion of the copper green pigment occur throughout the manuscript; these parts were stabilized with reconstituted parchment with a thickness of 0.03mm (1.4g·m−2). This represents a refinement of existing techniques to create a much thinner sheet than is typically used. Because the hide powder had changed in quality over the years, the preparation procedure needed to be adapted. For highly valuable manuscripts with copper green corrosion, this lightweight reconstituted parchment provides an alternative to traditional repair materials.

- Alexis Hagadorn, “Parchment making in eighteenth-century France: historical practices and the written record”, pp. 165–188.
DOI:10.1080/19455224.2012.730783 (restricted access)

Abstract:
Documentation of industrial arts within dictionaries, encyclopaedias and treatises has recorded parchment-making practices observed in eighteenth-century France. If understood within the context in which they were produced, the accounts in the treatises of Lalande and the Encyclopédie of Diderot and d'Alembert have the potential to contribute substantially to knowledge of historical practice. Significant information may also be found in the Dictionnaire universel de commerce of Savary des Brûlons and the treatise of Dessables. Together, these texts provide a clear description of parchment-making techniques at a time when trade practices were standardized but had not yet been modernized through industrialization. Comparative examination of the instructions for each stage of production offers a detailed account of how practitioners may have carried out these activities. Such investigation is particularly informative when these stages are also considered within the continuum of ancient, medieval and industrial era trends, and with reference to surviving historic examples in modern collections.

- Zoë Reid, Benjamin van de Wetering, “Conservation of the sixteenth- and seventeenth-century Chancery pleadings at the National Archives of Ireland”, pp. 189–200.
DOI:10.1080/19455224.2012.722779 (restricted access)

Abstract:
The Chancery pleadings are the largest single series of parchment records to have survived the fire in the Public Record office in 1922 during the Irish civil war. To date, 5265 fire-damaged administrative and legal parchment documents dating from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries have been part of a long-term conservation programme at the National Archives of Ireland. The conservation work involves removing the surface dirt, humidification of the skins, reshaping and repairing damage. The challenge of reshaping and flattening the damaged skins was met with a creative adaptation of the traditional parchment-maker's frame and the conservation clip and pin method. The humidified document is attached to cushioned spring clips that have Velcro straps, locking to the strip of Velcro around the edge of a wooden stretcher or board.

- Penelope Banou, Angeliki Stassinou, “Approaches to the conservation of patriarchal sigillia on parchment from the General State Archives of Greece”, pp. 201–218.
DOI:10.1080/19455224.2012.744952 (restricted access)

Abstract:
This article explores issues concerning the conservation of the post-Byzantine Patriarchal sigillia (deeds on parchment) in the collections of the General State Archives of Greece. These are documents of considerable size, often with an elaborate tongue-like projection and a pedant lead seal, typically folded to create a small package. Various materials are involved in their structure, which affects their condition. Folding practices have resulted in severe creasing and planar distortions, while the hanging system and the pendant seal often cause serious mechanical damage. The component parts could not be separated during conservation procedures, influencing decisions about treatment and intervention. Opening the substrate flat without altering or destroying original features, or affecting the materials involved, is a challenging task. Storage and hinging methods were developed to provide support without loss of original features.

- Kerstin Forstmeyer, “Parchment leafcasting revisited”, pp. 219–229.
DOI: 10.1080/19455224.2012.723452 (restricted access)

Abstract:
In 1992 a group working with Jan Wouters developed a method to fill lacunae on badly damaged parchments, using a process similar to that used for paper. On a vacuum table a suspension of originally animal collagen fibres creates a layer of a material known as ‘reconstituted parchment’. This article summarizes experience of the technique gleaned from 20 years' practice in a workshop specializing in parchment restoration. Particular emphasis is placed on the fabrication of this fibre suspension: several modifications are presented, and its application to a variety damage types is described. The classic technique of wet-casting on to the object as well as the application of prefabricated ‘reconstituted parchment’ with various adhesives is discussed, as is dyeing of the infill.

19/04/2013

"A survey of current leather conservation practices" by Teper and Straw (2011)

Teper, Jennifer Hain; Straw, Melissa; “A survey of current leather conservation practices”, The Book & Paper Group Annual 30 (2011) 131–139
PDF

Abstract:
In fall 2008, a survey of leather conservation practices was sent out to fellow conservators as well as allied professionals via various Listservs. The goal of this survey was to ascertain what types of treatments and repairs were being practiced on leather bindings in a variety of professional settings. The authors have presented the results of this survey and analyzed them to show the continuum of leather treatment within and outside of the conservation community, highlighting not only emerging trends and established treatments but also when, why, and by whom more traditional treatments, such as leather dressing, are still being practiced. The survey results gathered detailed data from 57 national and international respondents, many of whom are conservation professionals and support staff, but with significant responses from allied professions as well. The results show that newer leather treatments, such as solvent-set tissue hinge repair, consolidation via application of cocktails of microcrystalline waxes and cellulose ethers, and the use of molded cave paper as a substitute for leather appear to be accepted and utilized in the conservation field, but that traditional treatments such as the application of leather dressings and cleaning with saddle soap are also still used.

12/04/2013

“La fabrication du cuir fort par tannage lent, dans la vallée de la Laize, de 1775 à 1944..." par Ponsot (1992)

Ponsot, Philippe; “La fabrication du cuir fort par tannage lent, dans la vallée de la Laize, de 1775 à 1944 : étude d’un patrimoine industriel”, Cahier des Annales de Normandie 24(1) (1992) 271–285

07/04/2013

"Damage ranking in historic parchments ..." by Badea et al (2012)

Badea, Elena; Sommer, Dorte V. Poulsen; Axelsson, Kathleen Mühlen; Larsen, René; Kurysheva, Alexandra; Miu, Lucretia; Della Gatta, Giuseppe; “Damage ranking in historic parchments: from microscopic study to collagen denaturation assessment by micro DSC”, e-Preservation Science 9 (2012) 97–109
PDF

Abstract:
The microscopic assessment of collagen fibres structure and measurement of their shrinkage activity were used to provide a quantification of the deterioration at microscopic level for two groups of historic parchments from the Royal Library of Copenhagen and the State Archives of Florence. The micro differential scanning calorimetry (micro DSC) was used to quantitatively assess the deterioration at mesoscopic level through the analysis of fibrillar collagen thermal denaturation. The results enabled us to classify the historic parchments in four categories, i.e. not damaged, displaying minor, medium and major damage. The measurement protocols, deterioration parameters and criteria for assigning a parchment to one of the four categories are reported. Such a comprehensive deterioration profiling can support improved preventive care and conservation treatment of collections.

24/03/2013

History and antiquities of the worshipful company of leathersellers, of the city of London by Black (1871)

Black, William Henry; History and antiquities of the worshipful company of leathersellers, of the city of London, Edward J. Francis, London (1871)
URL (Google Books)


The Leathersellers' Company Website
http://www.leathersellers.co.uk/
 
and a recent and concise publication about the Company:
The Leathersellers' Company: a short history of the company
PDF

08/03/2013

Matériel des industries du cuir par Damourette (1869)

Damourette, J.-P.; Matériel des industries du cuir: tannerie, corroierie, mégisserie, marroquinerie, fabriques de courroies et de chaussures, Paris (1869)
URL (Google Books)

28/02/2013

"Top 13 reasons why we don't use leather dressings at the ASM" by Carrlee (2012)

Carrlee, Ellen; "Top 13 reasons why we don't use leather dressings at the ASM", Alaska State Museums Bulletin 58 (2012) 1-15
URL / PDF

22/02/2013

"Marcel Duchamp's Boîtes-en-valise: collaboration and conservation" by Campbell at al (2012)

Campbell, Brenna; Lévèque, Élodie; Jue, Erin; “Marcel Duchamp's Boîtes-en-valise: collaboration and conservation”, Studies in Conservation 57, Supplement 1 (2012) 52-60
Abstract:
Between 1941 and 1968, Marcel Duchamp produced a series of roughly 300 boxes, or Boîtes, containing, in his words, ‘everything important that I have done’ (Sargeant, W. 1952. Dada's Daddy: A New Tribute is Paid to Duchamp, Pioneer of Nonsense and Nihilism. Life, 32(17): 102). Over the course of 30 years and seven editions, Duchamp and his assistants filled these ‘portable museums’ with miniature reproductions of his most significant works. The materials used included leather, paper, cloth, metal, glass, ceramic, cellulose acetate, gouache, varnish, and wood. The variety of the constituent materials, and the complex physical and conceptual ways in which they interact, make conservation treatment of the Boîtes unusually challenging. The conservator must consider both the condition of the specific Boîte being treated and its relationship to the dozens of other Boîtes still in existence. After an overview of the history and manufacture of Duchamp's miniature museum, the results of a pilot survey of the condition of 19 Boîtes will be presented, and treatment solutions to the most common condition problems proposed.

Marcel Duchamp’s world in a box: fixing a famous 'valise' at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (2012)


15/02/2013

The boot and shoe trades in London and Paris in the long eighteenth century by Riello (2002)

Riello, Giorgio; The boot and shoe trades in London and Paris in the long eighteenth century, Doctoral thesis, University of London (2002)

Abstract:
This thesis examines the evolution of pre-industrial shoemaking in London and Paris between the 1680s and the 1850s, treating this period as a whole. The relevance of these two cities is based on the international role they played in the clothing sector. Both cities not only dominated national manufacturing, but were able to influence the standard of production and European fashion. My research aims to construct a comparison of the two productive centres leading to a contrasting study of pre-conditions, strategies and influences in shoemaking. The starting point is a broad view of the 'regulative framework' of the sector: the importance of the raw material market (leather and textiles) and the role of guilds, their organisation and their control of the market. A chapter dedicated to consumption explores the relationship between the London shoe market and the influence of Parisian fashion. The interest in consumption is motivated also by the debate on what economic and social historians consider to be 'mass production' as the other face of 'mass consumption'. A chapter dedicated to retailing tries to link consumption to production. My research is then focused on a study of the organisation of production in the two cities. Different typologies of producers are related to different consumer choices showing how new consumer practices and retailing facilities re-shaped production. Finally the link between fashion changes and marketing techniques (for instance the use of sizes, brands or the distinction between right and left shoes) is a fruitful field of comparative research. The last two chapters of the thesis focus on the first half of the nineteenth century. Particular attention is dedicated to the importation into England of large quantities of women's shoes from France. The crisis that the London sector faced after 1815 explains a series of changes in the market and in the role played by the British metropolis in directing the sector. Very different appears to be the Parisian case, where provincial producers flourished only after the mechanisation of the sector. By the 1850s mechanisation meant the beginning of a new phase in the trade.

08/02/2013

El gremio cordobés de guadamecileros y su producción durante los siglos XVI y XVII por Alors Bersabé (2012)

Alors Bersabé, Teresa Mª;  El gremio cordobés de guadamecileros y su producción durante los siglos XVI y XVII, Tesis doctoral en Patrimonio, Departamento de Historia del Arte, Arqueología y Música, Universidade de Córdoba (2012)
URL / PDF

01/02/2013

"On tanning and leather-dressing" by Aikin (1833-1834)

Aikin, A.; “On tanning and leather-dressing”, Transactions of the Society, Instituted at London, for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce  50, Part I (1833-1834) 192-214
URL (JSTOR)

25/01/2013

18/01/2013

"O comércio de "couro dourado"/guadameci entre Córdova e Lisboa: um contrato de venda de 1525" por Pereira (2013)

Pereira, Franklin; “O comércio de "couro dourado"/guadameci entre Córdova e Lisboa: um contrato de venda de 1525”, Medievalista [Em linha]13 (Janeiro - Junho 2013).
URL / PDF

Resumo:
"O comércio de "couro dourado"/guadameci entre Córdova e Lisboa: um contrato de venda de 1525" incide sobre um documento de importações entre um guadamecileiro de Lisboa, trabalhando para a corte, e um pintor de Córdova; a lista inclui frontais de altar, cobertas de parede e coxins. Além de comentar o contrato, o autor refere os usos do guadameci nos dois países ibéricos pós-Reconquista como parte das modas mudéjares do século XV-XVI.

Abstract:
"The trade of gilt leather/guadameci between Córdoba and Lisbon: a contract from 1525" deals with a document of imports between a gilt leather maker from Lisbon, working for the court, and a painter from Córdoba; the list includes altar fronts, wall hangings and cushions. Besides commenting such contract, the author refers the uses of gilt leather in both Iberian countries coming out of the Reconquest as part of the mudejar fashions of the 15th-16th centuries.

11/01/2013

"Brief directions how to tan leather according to the new invention of the honourable Charles Howard of Norfolk..." by Howard (1674)

Howard, Charles; “Brief directions how to tan leather according to the new invention of the honourable Charles Howard of Norfolk, experimented and approved of by divers of the principal tanners using Leaden-Hall market”, Philosophical Transactions 9(101-111) (1674) 93-96
doi: 10.1098/rstl.1674.0025 / PDF/ JSTOR