Courses at West Dean College

West Dean College
The Edward James Foundation
Course in Leather Conservation at West Dean College
10th - 12th June 2001
Tutors from the Leather Conservation Centre

Leather has been used for centuries in various contexts, and
produced by many different methods. As such it is a variable and
complex material that is little understood by many. This course, run
by staff of the Leather Conservation Centre, will be concerned with
fundamental aspects of the material. It will cover chemical,
historical and structural aspects of the production and
deterioration of leather, and methods of cleaning, consolidation,
repair and finishing of leather applied to objects. The course is
aimed mainly at Book Conservators, but much of the information will
be applicable to other leather objects.

Areas to be covered:

  Day 1

    Proteins, collagen, skin
    Tanning materials and tanning
    Fibre structure, grain surfaces
    Practical identification of species type and tannages
    Historic leather/parchment making
    Deterioration of leather
    Changes in tanning techniques during the 19th century leading to
    deterioration
    Archival leathers

  Day 2

    Cleaning
    Humidification
    pH, shrinkage temperature and red rot
    Consolidation
    Repair materials
    Adhesives
    Filling materials and methods
    Dyes
    Dressings and finishes

    Cost including 2 days accommodation in single study bedrooms and
    all meals UKP225.00

Course in Papermaking for book and paper conservators
30th September - 4th October 2001
Tutor Peter Bower

    This course is designed for Book or Paper conservators, or other
    professionals concerned with paper and its physical character.
    It will involve practical papermaking, starting with fibre
    selection and preparation using a small-scale laboratory beater.
    The fibre will be used to form sheets by hand, with the whole
    process promoting familiarity with handmade paper and some of
    the artefacts of its production. Some time will be devoted to
    the surface examination of papers, on the bench and through the
    microscope, although this is primarily a practical course.

    Attention will be paid throughout to the interests of both the
    Paper Historian and the Book or Paper conservator.

    Cost including 4 days accommodation in single study bedrooms and
    all meals UKP412

A number of bursaries are available

Further details from:

    David Dorning
    West Dean College
    Chichester
    PO18 0QZ
    UK
    +44 1243 818239
    david.dorning [at] westdean__org__uk

Kathy Stayt
Marketing: West Dean College


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:52
                   Distributed: Friday, April 6, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-14-52-014
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