Hi Susan,
I am taking a lcass in book preservation right now, and I would be very
interested in hearing your replies.
Ken
Dear All,
Does anyone have tortoiseshell bindings in their libraries/collections? We
have 4 or 5 books, all Judaica, bound in tortoiseshell and lavishly
decorated with silver-gilt corners and clasps. They are stored in our
Strong Room with other Rare Books at the approved temp and humidity for
books. They seem ok as far as I can tell, apart from one which was damaged
at some time and is cracked. What I would like to know is how should they
be stored? I imagine custom-made boxes would be a good idea.
I have spoken to a couple of conservators but neither had ever come across
such a thing in their careers. Please reply to me off list and I can
summarise info if anyone is interested.
Thank you,
Susan
Susan Stead
Rare Books Librarian & Stores Manager
Special Collections, Library Services
University College London
Gower Street
London WC1E 6BT
Tel: 020-7679-4445/ 020-7679-7796
Fax: 020-7679-7727
s.stead@ucl.ac.uk (personal)
mssrb@ucl.ac.uk (departmental)
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Library/special-coll/