Restoration

Restoration can be a gratifying, cost-effective means of transforming a damaged or deteriorating book into a fine copy.

At the Redbone Bindery, diagnostic and applied techniques are drawn from the teachings of various experienced book restorers on both sides of the Atlantic and are continually being revised and improved upon through short courses, research and collaborations with other book restorers and conservators.

The goal of any technique used is to effectively reintroduce strength and function to the structure of the book while maintaining as much of the original binding as possible. Any new materials used in the restoration process are chosen for their superior quality and are carefully matched and blended to the original materials. Emphasis is always placed on the use of reversible adhesives and acid-free materials.

Books with little or no remaining original binding can be rebound into a period-style binding using materials and techniques similar to those used at the time the book was printed.

Regularly stocked materials include fine English bookbinding leathers, Dutch and English parchments as well as a collection of European handmade and hand-decorated papers. The bindery continues to build a collection of old bookbinding cloths, papers and gold tools. These help to achieve a seamless match with the materials and designs used in the binding to be restored. Genuine gold leaf is used for all tooling and titling work.

The bindery also restores fragile and/or torn maps and prints and can repair title and text pages in limited quantity.

Antiquarian book sellers are encouraged to enquire about discounts for repeat custom.

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