"Use of thermal analysis methods to asses the damage in the bookbindings of some religious books from XVIII century, stored in Romanian libraries" by Budrugeac et al (2014)

Budrugeac, P.; Cucos, A.; Miu, L.;"Use of thermal analysis methods to asses the damage in the bookbindings of some religious books from XVIII century, stored in Romanian libraries", Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 116(1) (2014) 141–149
Doi:10.1007/s10973-013-3414-7 (restricted access)

Abstract: 

The scope of this work was the assessment of thermo-oxidative deterioration, hydrothermal stability, and crystalline zone deterioration of some bookbinding leathers from some religious books published in XVIII century stored in Romanian libraries. In this purpose, the following thermal analysis methods were employed: thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry (TG/DTG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The thermo-oxidative damage of investigated leathers was characterized by the rate of the first thermo-oxidation process put in evidence in TG/DTG curves recorded in static air atmosphere. The hydrothermal stability was characterized by shrinkage temperature determined by DSC analysis of leathers in water excess. The damage of the crystalline zone of leathers was determined by DSC in nitrogen flow and DMA analyses. The qualitative damage for each leather and each kind of degradation was evaluated using the criteria resulted by thermal analysis of a large number of collagen-based materials (pure collagens, new and old parchments and leathers). The obtained results could be used for finding the best possible methods for preservation and/or restoration of the investigated bookbinding leathers.

"Assessing the microbiological risk to stored sixteenth century parchment manuscripts..." by Troiano et al (2014)

Troiano, F.; Polo, A.; Villa, F.; Cappitelli, F.; "Assessing the microbiological risk to stored sixteenth century parchment manuscripts: a holistic approach based on molecular and environmental studies", Biofouling 30(3) (2014) 299–311 

Doi:10.1080/08927014.2013.871539

Abstract:

The microbial risk for the conservation of seven sixteenth century parchment manuscripts, which showed brown discolouration putatively caused by microorganisms, was evaluated using non-invasive sampling techniques, microscopy, studies of surface-associated and airborne microflora with culture-independent molecular methods, and by measuring repository thermo-hygrometric values. Microscopic observations and ATP assays demonstrated a low level of contamination, indicating that the discolouration was not related to currently active microbial colonisation. Nevertheless, a culture-independent molecular approach was adopted to fully characterise surface-associated communities searching for biodeteriogens that could grow under appropriate thermo-hygrometric conditions. Indeed, potential biodeteriogens and microorganisms that are ecologically related to humans were found, suggesting the need to control the conservation environment and improve handling procedures. Microbial loads of air and thermo-hygrometric measurements showed that the repository was not suitable for preventing the microbial deterioration of parchment. A holistic approach to the assessment of risk of microbial deterioration of documents and heritage preservation is proposed for the first time.

"DMA and DSC studies of accelerated aged parchment and vegetable-tanned leather samples" by Cucos et al (2014)

Cucos, Andrei; Budrugeac, Petru; Miu, Lucreţia; "DMA and DSC studies of accelerated aged parchment and vegetable-tanned leather samples", Thermochimica Acta 583 (2014) 86–93.
DOI:10.1016/j.tca.2014.03.022 (restricted access)

Abstract:

The aim and the novelty of this work was the use of both dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), in water and in dry state, for the investigation of the effects of temperature and relative humidity on degradation of recently manufactured parchments and vegetable-tanned leathers. The materials were subjected to accelerated ageing under action of heat and moisture for progressively increasing time lengths. The studies have proved that accelerated ageing causes a progressive decrease of the temperature of denaturation in water excess, but has no or minor effect on that in dry state. Also, under same ageing conditions parchments undergo a greater degree of deterioration than leathers, as evidenced by a more dramatic change in the DSC peaks (in water) and in the shrinkage curves (DMA). The results can be interpreted as a partial gelatinization occurring in the thermal conditions used for accelerated ageing. The paper presents the advantage of using both techniques, namely that DSC results can assist in interpretation of the DMA curves and that the good correlation of denaturation temperatures obtained by DSC and DMA ascertain these values. Such studies can be useful for understanding the processes that take place on natural ageing of historical parchments and leathers, as well as for establishing proper conditions of their storage.

"Une industrie autrefois florissante: la tannerie de Bayeux" par Fournier (2002)

Fournier, Gérard; "Une industrie autrefois florissante: la tannerie de Bayeux", Annales de Normandie 52(2) (2002) 129-150

DOI: 10.3406/annor.2002.1385 / PDF (Persée)

Identification of Mammalian Sources of Cultural Materials Project

Identification of Mammalian Sources of Cultural Materials Project
URL

About the Project:

The identification of materials from Native American cultural objects to the species level contributes significantly to the documentation of museum collections, academic research, and self-determined, indigenous, and descendent community study.  Recently, the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology has collaborated with other museums and indigenous groups to study the mammalian materials that are represented in museum collections.  These collaborations have contributed not only to a greater understanding of the objects being studied but also to cultural revitalization efforts.  Currently, the Peabody Museum is engaged in developing a new application of an analytical technique called Peptide Mass Fingerprinting (PMF).  This effort is partially supported by the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training, a unit of the National Park Service.

"La tannerie de la Boivre à Lavausseau, Vienne" par Durepaire (2010)

C. Durepaire, "La tannerie de la Boivre à Lavausseau, Vienne" (2010)
PDF

"Internal supports for buckskin clothing storage", Conserve O Gram 5/3 (2011)

"Internal supports for buckskin clothing storage", Conserve O Gram 5/3, National Park Service (2011)
PDF

Introduction:

Buckskin clothing created and worn by Native Americans is often heavily adorned with beadwork, jingles, furs, quillwork, and other attached elements. Due to the weight of these adornments and the nature of buckskin, buckskin clothing should be stored flat. Folded or hanging storage does not provide adequate support. 
To prevent sharp creasing when buckskin clothing is stored flat, the interior needs adequate support. This Conserve O Gram provides guidance on how to create two kinds of customized internal supports or padded forms for flat storage of buckskin clothing using polyester batting, polyethylene foam and Tyvek sheeting.

"Bioburden assessment and gamma radiation inactivation patterns in parchment documents" by Nunes et al (2013)

Nunes, I.; Mesquita, N.; Cabo Verde, S.; Carolino, M. M.; Portugal, A.; Botelho, M. L.; "Bioburden assessment and gamma radiation inactivation patterns in parchment documents", Radiation Physics and Chemistry 88 (2013) 82–89.

DOI:10.1016/j.radphyschem.2013.03.031 (restricted access)

Abstract:
Parchment documents are part of our cultural heritage and, as historical artifacts that they are, should be preserved. The aim of this study was to validate an appropriate methodology to characterize the bioburden of parchment documents, and to assess the growth and gamma radiation inactivation patterns of the microbiota present in that material. Another goal was to estimate the minimum gamma radiation dose (D_min) to be applied for the decontamination of parchment as an alternative treatment to the current toxic chemical and non-chemical decontamination methods. Two bioburden assessment methodologies were evaluated: the Swab Method (SM) and the Destructive Method (DM). The recovery efficiency of each method was estimated by artificial contamination, using a Cladosporium cladosporioides spore suspension. The parchment samples' microbiota was typified using morphological methods and the fungal isolates were identified by ITS-DNA sequencing. The inactivation pattern was assessed using the DM after exposure to different gamma radiation doses, and using C. cladosporioides as reference. Based on the applied methodology, parchment samples presented bioburden values lower than 5×10³CFU/cm² for total microbiota, and lower than 10 CFU/cm² for fungal propagules. The results suggest no evident inactivation trend for the natural parchment microbiota, especially regarding the fungal community. A minimum gamma radiation dose (D_min) of 5 kGy is proposed for the decontamination treatment of parchment. Determining the minimal decontamination dose in parchment is essential for a correct application of gamma radiation as an alternative decontamination treatment for this type of documents avoiding the toxicity and the degradation promoted by the traditional chemical and non-chemical treatments.

Gilt leather screen, 1720-1770, Victoria & Albert Museum

Guide manuel théorique et pratique de l’ouvrier ou praticien doreur sur cuir par Bosquet (1903)

Bosquet, Emile; Guide manuel théorique et pratique de l’ouvrier ou praticien doreur sur cuir,  Librairie polytechnique Ch. Béranger, Paris (1903)

URL (InternetArchive)

A history of the New York swamp by Norcross (1901)

Norcross, F. W.; A history of the New York swamp, Chiswick Press, New York (1901)
URL (InternetArchive)

 From the introduction:

"In the district known as the New York Swamp I met their fathers almost daily for many years. They were Kings in the Tanning Trade. There were the stalwart and manly Hoyt's; the aristocratic Thorncs; the cultured Healys; the broad minded Schultz; the gentlemanly Lees; the Hortons; merchants and manufacturers; the Laphams, "Friends" in faith and works; the moneyed Fayerweathers; the genial Palens; the cautious Bulkleys; the steadfast and solid Ladews; the successful Reeses; the honorable Ishams, and many more who formed a galaxy of merchants such as may never again be seen in the Hide and Leather business.

These men dominated the trade for nigh a hundred years. Their example is worthy of emulation. It is with the design of preserving a record of their deeds that these papers were written by their, and your, servant for half a century,

F. W. NORCROSS."

"Tannins characterization in historic leathers..." by Falcão & Araújo (2013)

Falcão, Lina; Araújo, Maria Eduarda M.; "Tannins characterization in historic leathers by complementary analytical techniques ATR-FTIR, UV-Vis and chemical tests", Journal of Cultural Heritage 14(6) (2013) 499–508

DOI:10.1016/j.culher.2012.11.003 (restricted access)

Abstract:

This paper presents a complementary analytical approach to characterize vegetable tanning materials in historic leathers. It is described the application of two molecular spectroscopic techniques, ATR-FTIR and UV-Vis, and three specific chemical tests to analyse tannins present in leathers. Acid butanol, nitrous acid and rhodanine colorimetric tests, evaluated both visually and spectrophotometrically, were used to identify condensed tannins, ellagitannins and gallotannins, respectively. Ten samples of commercial, or laboratory prepared, vegetable tannins and seven new vegetable tanned leathers were also analysed and obtained results were used for comparison. The complete analytical procedure was performed, in a semi-micro-destructive scale, using fibres collected from leather. Analysis of ATR-FTIR and UV spectra of commercial and laboratory prepared vegetable tannins allowed the establishment of the characteristic bands of condensed and hydrolysable tannins and, more specifically, gallotannins. These data were used to confirm the type of vegetable tanning agents used in new leather extracts. The same approach was used in cultural heritage leathers, supported by the colorimetric tests, since protein degradation products were co-extracted in aged leathers and interfered in IR spectra.

"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.

“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.

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.

"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/

"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)

"...Under the microscope with leather" by Christina Duffy, Collection Care blog, The British Library (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.