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