Conservation and Restoration of 20th-Century Paper Bindings

Paper bindings are an important yet often vulnerable feature of 20th-century book production. The use of thin boards or poor-quality acidic papers, mechanical stress and detachment along the spine, losses of material, and previous repairs following mishandling or accidents all present complex conservation challenges. In such cases, restoring the book’s functionality must be balanced with respect for its original form.

This two-day workshop is designed as an in-depth practical workshop on the conservation of paper bindings, exploring approaches beyond the conventional practice of rebinding books in hard covers, without oversimplifying the challenges presented by individual objects. Participants will work on actual 20th-century books, following the principal stages of a comprehensive conservation treatment and examining the rationale behind each intervention.

The workshop is guided by the principle of preserving as much original material and as much of the historical character of each edition as possible. The aim is not to erase signs of age or make a book appear new, but to restore its functionality while retaining the physical features that bear witness to its history and use. Particular emphasis is placed on preserving the character of the original edition and its original paper substrate.

The workshop will begin with an examination of the books’ construction and an assessment of their condition, followed by a discussion of the specific conservation issues presented by each object. Participants will learn to identify common forms of deterioration in paper bindings and plan the sequence of treatments before beginning practical work.

A substantial part of the workshop will focus on consolidation, repair, and infilling of paper bindings. Participants will examine different types of tears, losses, and detached elements, learning how to select and prepare appropriate conservation papers for each situation. The use of a wide range of handmade papers as conservation materials is a central aspect of the workshop.

The next stage will involve the gradual reassembly and reconstruction of the book, with particular attention to the mechanical functioning of the spine and the preservation of the original binding structure wherever possible.

The final treatment stage will address the aesthetic integration of infills and repairs, ensuring that new additions blend visually with the object without altering or concealing original material.

Following the conservation treatment, participants will construct a custom-made protective storage enclosure, tailored to the dimensions of their book. The workshop thus covers the full treatment process, from initial examination and conservation through to safe long-term storage.

Workshop Topics

• Examination of the construction and condition of paper bindings
• Cleaning and preparation of the spine
• Construction and application of a hollow back (tube)
• Consolidation and infilling of the paper substrate
• Criteria for selecting and using appropriate conservation papers
• Reassembly of the book
• Aesthetic integration of conservation treatments
• Construction of a protective storage enclosure

Working with Original Books

Participants will work on authentic 20th-century editions rather than practice models. Treatments will be adapted to the construction and condition of each individual book and carried out under continuous guidance.

All materials and equipment required during the workshop are included in the participation fee.