So I made a really big box, and I had to stand it on end when gluing the walls together. And while that was happening I started smashing some of my bone folders together and felt smarter for some unknown reason. Maybe it has something to do with this monolithic box…
Do you hate leather paring as much as I do? Then you’ll love the Scharffix. Also, this video really should be subtitled: “Schmedt After Dark”, because of the music.
I love the gilder using his hair to get just enough grease to help pick up the sheets of gold leaf from his book of gold leaf sheets. Edit: I have been corrected! The gilder is actually using static electricity, not grease, from his hair to help grab the sheet of gold leaf. Thank you, […]
(via https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hpp12fPvkHA) This is an excellent video that shows the damage a ‘quick and easy’ amateur repair can cause to a book. I’ve seen multiple examples of both of these types of “quick fixes” on books in my library. Not only do they fail to actually repair the book in an effective and long-lasting way, they cause […]
Opening an uncut book, with a paper knife. Whoever had checked this out before it was sent to the lab must not have read very much of it because half of the textblock was uncut, and thus unreadable! (Source: http://bookbindingdictionary.com/)
Remember my post from yesterday? http://conservethis.tumblr.com/post/131514951634/this-box-just-got-delivered-to-preservation-today Well, turns out they were bedbugs AND cockroaches AND they were STILL ALIVE!! Also, this bug poops on camera, just for you! In conservation, we refer to insect poop as “frass”. (Source: https://embed.tumblr.com/)
it me (Doing some paper repair on a June 1945 issue of Ladies Home Journal)
In today’s gross-out corner (aka the fume hood), I examine a book for evidence of mold. Spoiler alert: it is VERY moldy.
What’s hiding under that book “repair” tape? Oh, it’s the original gold stamped spine, now ruined! (Source: https://vine.co/)
Making rice starch paste in the conservation lab, using our coveted Cook & Stir. That thing makes some darn good paste. (Source: https://vine.co/)