Some scenes from the move of our archives and special collections: empty shelves contrasted with full book trays on their way to offsite storage. My library will be undergoing a massive renovation early this coming year, and I am the one managing the logistics involved in moving our collections to offsite storage and other points […]
While making photocopies of some moldy archives material, my student worker noticed that someone (presumably the person whose papers these are) had used this document to blot their lipstick. 💋💄
This parchment leaf from a Medieval choir book was mounted to somebody’s vision board before it was framed, many years ago. I’ve done a lot of backing removals over the years, but this one is probably the most inspirational of them all!
Today I’m working on a treatment that is basically the rare book equivalent of cleaning under the couch cushions. This 2-volume herbal was used by a previous owner as a plant press, and many leaves, flowers and other assorted plant parts were discovered in-between its pages by our special collections librarian. The plants had already […]
Archival National Geographic
I just think this binding is the cutest little thing, what with its combination of floral paste paper and marbled paper. I also miiiiiight have said, “Oh! aren’t you the cutest little thing! Yes you are!” aloud when I was in our special collections reading room.
This is why I can’t stop giggling while working on this 18th century herbal.
Today I’m working on a treatment that is basically the rare book equivalent of cleaning under the couch cushions. This 2-volume herbal was used by a previous owner as a plant press, and many leaves, flowers and other assorted plant parts were discovered in-between its pages by our special collections librarian. The plants had already […]
Today in the lab: encapsulating some vintage Star Wars posters with our Minter ultrasonic welder. Ps encapsulation is NOT the same thing as lamination.
Taking some initial notes for the pre-treatment documentation for this 1979 Millennium Falcon toy. Mostly it just needs a better box, but some of the decals are lifting or already detached, and may need to be re-adhered with an appropriate adhesive. Documentation is VERY important in conservation, and was one of the first things they […]