Courses at the Centro del bel libro Ascona

Courses at the Centro del bel libro Ascona
Program February - August 2012
http://www.cbl-ascona.ch

104 Conservation of Parchment Documents
Feb 2-10, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 5 Days

    Parchment is a very hygroscopic and reactive material and
    requires special skills and knowledge for a successful
    conservation treatment. This course begins with an introduction
    into the history of parchment documents and a overview of
    various conservation methods and techniques. Course topics will
    include: analyzing various types of damages and their causes,
    treatment proposals and documentation. Practical exercises will
    include: Dry cleaning, filling of losses, mending tears and
    flattening. The storing and housing of parchment objects will
    complete the course.

    The course is aimed at conservators and participants with
    previous knowledge in conservation.

    This is an intermediate level course suitable for participants
    who have some prior experience in conservation.

    Price: 800.00 CHF. (Material costs according to usage)
    Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

105 Proper Handling and Preservation Methods for Books and Archival
Materials
Mar 1-2, 2012

Instructor:  Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 2 Days

    The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the crucial
    factors that play a role in the proper storage and handling of
    archival materials and to provide participants with the
    practical knowledge and skills necessary to carry out basic,
    simple repairs under conservational aspects. The topics covered
    will include: climate conditions and their impact, care and
    handling of objects, preparing exhibitions, proper storage
    conditions and disaster planning. In addition we will learn how
    to construct simple protective wrappers.

    This course is aimed at librarians, archivists, antiquarian
    dealers, bibliophilists and collectors, curators, art
    historians, and others who work with paper artifacts, documents,
    works of art on paper, etc. This is an introductory level course
    for participants with little or no previous experience in
    conservation

    Price: 325.00 CHF. (Materials included)
    Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants.

    See also: Nov 26-28, 2012 (Kurs Nr. 134)

106, 107, 108 Paper Conservation  - Intensive Studies 1

Paper Conservation 1a (Course No. 106)
Mar 6-10, 2012

Paper Conservation 1b (Course No. 107)
Mar 12-16, 2012

Follow up course: Protective Enclosures for
Books and Archival Objects (Course No. 108
Mar 19-21, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 3 Days (minimum) - 13 Days (maximum)

    This comprehensive intensive study program consisting of three
    back to back courses, was designed for those persons wanting to
    complete all the courses in paper conservation within a short
    period of time. The courses are linked to each other and
    increase in levels of difficulty.

    The first two weeks of the course focus on the basics of paper
    conservation in both theory and in practice. The emphasis will
    be on practicing hands on skills. The third course will deal
    specifically with creating protective enclosures for paper and
    book objects. It is also possible to attend the courses
    individually.

    Paper Conservation 1a - Introductory Course (Course No. 106)
    Duration: 5 Days

        This introductory level course introduces participants to
        the basics of paper chemistry, paper history and historical
        papermaking and provides a basis for decision making
        procedures in the conservation of paper objects. In this
        course we will cover topics like: preservation issues,
        damage analyses, treatment proposals and treatment reports,
        as well as hands on treatment procedures. A wide variety of
        treatment techniques will be demonstrated by the instructor
        and practiced by the participants including: Dry cleaning,
        washing and deacidification, mending tears, infilling of
        losses, etc.

        The course is aimed at bookbinders, novice restores,
        students of conservation or others with equivalent
        knowledge. This is an introductory level course for
        participants with little or no previous experience in
        conservation

        Price: 800,00 CHF (Materials included)
        Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

    Paper Conservation 1b (Course No. 107)
    Duration: 5 Days

        This course will give special attention to the topics of
        sizing paper after aqueous treatment, bleaching methods,
        tape removal and consolidation of water-sensitive media, as
        well as lining techniques. Emphasis will also be placed on
        individual problems and questions participants might have.
        The course is aimed at participants who have completed the
        introductory level course and gives others the opportunity
        to intensify and improve upon their hands on skills.

        The course is aimed at bookbinders, novice restores,
        students of conservation or others with equivalent
        knowledge. This is an introductory level course for
        participants with little or no previous experience in
        conservation

        Price: 800,00 CHF (Materials included)
        Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

    Protective Enclosures for Books and Archival Objects
    (Course No. 108)

    Duration: 3 Days

        This course will enable participants to gain a greater
        insight into the multiplicity of protective enclosures used
        for protecting books, manuscripts, seals and other objects.
        The theoretical part will cover preservation issues
        concerning housing and will explore advantages and
        disadvantages of the various materials and adhesives. During
        the practical part of the course the participants will
        construct various models and leave with a collection of
        samples.

        This course is aimed at bookbinders, conservators and/or
        others with equivalent knowledge. This is an introductory
        level course for participants with little or no previous
        experience in conservation

        Price: 490.00 CHF. (Material costs depending on usage)
        Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

    Special Price for all 3 courses Intensive 1:
    2.000 CHF
    (regular price 2080.00 CHF)

109 Identification, protection and preservation of photographic
materials
April 16-18, 2012

Instructor:  Klaus Kramer
Course Language: German and English
Duration: 3 days

    The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the crucial
    factors that play a role in the proper storage and handling of
    photographic materials and to provide participants with the
    practical knowledge to create proper storage conditions for
    their collection. The course will also concentrate on the
    history of photography and methods of identification, climate
    conditions and their impact, care, handling and storage. It will
    also highlight the subject of safeguarding photographs and how
    to restore damaged images via analog and digital means. In
    addition, we will also address the issues of durability of
    digital media.

    The course is an introductory level course and aimed at
    conservators or others with equivalent knowledge. This is an
    introductory course for people who don 't have much previous
    experience with the conservation of photographs.

    Course Fee 630.00 CHF
    Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

110 Long and Kettle Stitch Bindings
April 23-27, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 5 Days

    Long and kettle stitch bindings or imp bindings have not
    obtained the adequate attention of researchers in the past. This
    was probably due to the lack of gilding and decoration.

    In this course we will look at various forms of long- and kettle
    stitch bindings and re-evaluate the possible application in
    conservation. Participants will learn the various techniques
    used in making these bindings and will complete a collection of
    approx. 10 models. The practical work will be complemented by
    theoretical studies in historical binding techniques and the
    usage of appropriate conservation materials.

    This course is aimed at bookbinders, conservators or others with
    equivalent knowledge. This course is suitable for participants
    with basic experience in bookbinding including sewing techniques

    Price: 800.00 CHF (Material costs depending on usage)
    Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

111 Preventive conservation and recovery:
Emergency management for water and fire damaged documents seen from
    the perspective of a salvage expert
May: 3-4, 2012

Instructor:  Guido Voser, Switzerland
Course language: German and English
Duration: 2 days

    Emergency management in archives and libraries begins with
    preventive conservation measures and includes many detailed
    aspects that must be considered before instigating an emergency
    response plan. The identification of existing hazards in and
    around the building, how to respond in the case of an actual
    disaster, the dynamics of such an event and it 's impact on the
    recovery process, and the knowledge how recovery measures and
    restoration treatment influence each other is the basis for a
    professional emergency management. The course will focus on the
    criteria that help establish an emergency plan. It will also
    show strategies to exit from existing emergency plans, since
    reality is always different from plans.

    The aim of this course is to give a first orientation with this
    complex subject and to show first and simple approaches.

    This course is aimed at librarians, archivists, conservators and
    restores and/or those with equivalent knowledge

    Price: 420.00 CHF.
    Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

112 Tape Removal
May 7-9, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 3 Days

    One of the most common types of damage found on books and flat
    paper works is related to taped repairs and/or tape removal.
    This course provides participants with skills related to
    resolving this common problem. An introduction to various kinds
    of adhesive tapes commonly found and the different methods used
    for their removal and the safe usage and storage of solvents
    will be covered in this course. Participants are encouraged to
    bring their own objects to practice on. This course is aimed at
    conservators, bookbinders, librarians, archivists and others who
    work with paper artifacts, documents or works of art on paper.
    This is an introductory level course for participants with
    little or no previous experience in conservation.

    Price: 490.00 CHF. (Materials included)
    Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

    See also:
        July 11-13, 2012 (course Nr.119)
        December  3-5, 2012 (course Nr. 135)

113 Calcium Phytate for the treatment of Ink corrosion caused by
Iron gall inks
May 14-16, 2012

Instructor: Cornelia Bandow
Language: German and English
Duration: 3 Days

    Iron gall ink, widely used in the past, is a significant factor
    in the deterioration of paper documents and books. The use of
    calcium phytate is one of the solutions adapted to combat this
    phenomenon. A combined treatment with both calcium phytate and
    gelatine seems particularly effective.

    The focus of the class will be on learning how to prepare the
    phytate solution and on its application to various objects. We
    will also learn about the sizing procedures using gelatine.
    Additionally this class will address issues involved in the
    choice of adhesives suitable for the stabilization and repair of
    damaged objects. The theoretical part will introduce students to
    the various testing methods used prior to treatment and the
    theoretical background concerning this treatment method. In the
    practical part, we will practise various techniques of applying
    the solution, immersion bath, suction table, etc. and
    participants will also test and apply various adhesives like;
    Isinglass, gelatin, Klucel in ethanol, etc. used for the
    stabilization of damaged and perforated pages.

    Participants can also create a sample collection which can be
    used for future reference.

    This is an intermediate level course and aimed at conservators
    and participants with previous knowledge in conservation.

    Price: 630,00 CHF
    Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

114 Technical equipment in restoration
May 21-23, 2012

Instructor: Manfred Mayer
language: German with English translations
Duration: 3 days

    Often the "traditionally" trained conservator can easily become
    overwhelmed when having to choose, maintain and or correctly use
    the wide range of highly technical equipment available to us
    today.

    Our technical equipment can only work as well as person who is
    using it. In order to fully utilize the potential of your
    equipment, it is essential to understand certain technical
    aspects and the physics behind the technology involved. In this
    class Manfred Meyer will share with us his vast experience and
    expertise on this very exciting but often neglected subject.

    The aim of the class will be on familiarizing ourselves with and
    understanding the wide range of measuring devices, their
    applications and methods. Special emphasis is put on
    understanding the technology rather than having just  "blind
    faith " in the technology. Correct interpretation of technical
    data and instruction manuals will help to avoid
    misunderstandings between the conservator and manufacturer of
    the equipment.

    Course participants will learn through a series of specific
    exercises on traditional equipment customary used in
    conservation such as; light and climate measuring devices but
    also on very specialized equipment like vacuum suction tables,
    leaf casting machines, IR-heaters, ultrasonic humidity devices
    and more. The focus will be learning through hands on work
    exercises.

    This course is aimed at conservators and participants with
    previous knowledge in conservation.

    Price: 630,00 CHF
    Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

115 Leaf casting parchment
June 4-6. 2012

Instructor: Kerstin Forstmeyer
language: German with English translations
Duration: 2 days

    In this course we will learn about the various aspects involved
    in stabilizing and leaf casting on deteriorated and brittle
    objects made from parchments.

    The class will introduce and compare the various methods of leaf
    casting parchments known in conservation today and will acquaint
    students with all pros and cons of each method. The participants
    will learn about a new modified recipe that is based on the
    "Wouters recipe ", which has the advantage of being free of
    formaldehyde and doesn't involve the expensive equipment that is
    traditionally needed.

    In the practical part of this course participants will learn
    various application possibilities including applying the
    suspension, either directly on the suction table or indirectly
    by creating a loss repair piece that then gets attached to the
    object in a second step. The colour matching of repairs will
    also be covered in this course.

    The aim of the class will be on enabling participants to make
    the suspension and to learn how to apply and use it.

    This is an intermediate level course suitable for students who
    have some prior experience in conservation and are familiar with
    customary equipment like a suction table.

    Course fees: 420,00 CHF
    Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants

116 Limp vellum binding
June 11-15, 2012

Instructor: Ian Maver
Language: English with German translations
Duration: 5 Days

    Although they are derived from the same raw materials leather
    and parchment differ radically in their appearance, physical
    properties, chemical characteristics and their responses to
    environmental conditions.   These differences significantly
    affect the ways in which parchment and leather are used for
    covering books so that alternative techniques and methods have
    to be applied as part of the binding process.  This course
    considers traditional methods of manufacturing parchment and
    vellum and reviews historical methods of using parchment as a
    covering material especially limp-vellum styles of binding.
    Preparation of text blocks and suitable choice of sewing
    materials will be explained.  Methods of attaching parchment
    covers using primary sewing, tacketing or other means will be
    explained.  Practical aspects of the course will focus on
    producing at least one example of book bound in limp vellum that
    incorporates many if not all significant features of that style
    of binding.  The potential of limp vellum binding methods for
    conservation purposes will be discussed.

    This is an introductory course, but participants need good
    bookbinding and some book restoration skills and previous
    experience working with parchment.

    Price: 1050.00 CHF. (Materials included)
    Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

117 Compact course on leather bindings
Development of binding structures over the centuries
June 25-29, 2012

Instructor: Barbara Hassel
Language: German and English
Duration: 5 Days

    What are the characteristic features of leather bindings over
    the centuries? >From a 3rd century Coptic codex to a 20th
    century leather binding many structural features have changed.
    We will be looking at the historic development of the Western
    codex from the Coptic, Byzantine and Islamic bindings to the
    specific features of Roman, Gothic and Renaissance bindings and
    the modern (French) bindings The course will give an overview
    over the changes in the course of the centuries by looking at
    sewing structures, endpaper constructions, board attachments,
    backings, endbands, covering materials and furnishings. The
    course is composed of a theoretical part with lectures and
    slides and a practical part with hands-on work, which will
    concentrate mainly on making model books..

    Aimed at Restorers and interested persons with some experience
    in conservation. This is an introductory course, but
    participants need some previous experience working with leather
    and some basic bookbinding skills.

    Course fees: 1050.- CHF
    Limited to 8 participants

Joint collaboration between the two departments:
118 Marbled Paper
July 2-4, 2012

Instructor: Montse Buxo Marsa
Language: TBD
Duration: 3 days

    The aim of this course is to give participants a thorough
    understanding of how to produce marbled papers. Paper marbling
    is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce
    patterns similar to smooth marble or other stone. The patterns
    are the result of color floated on a viscous solution known as
    size (carrageen moss), which are then carefully transferred to
    an absorbent surface such as paper or fabric.

    In this course we learn a variety of traditional patterns.
    Participants are then invited to explore many new combinations
    and creative possibilities in their own work. The course will
    also show possibilities to use this technique on unusual
    materials.

    This course is aimed at bookbinder, restorers and everybody else
    who is interested in this subject.

    Price: TBD
    Admission policy: Number of participants: TBD

119 Tape Removal
July 11-13, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 3 Days

    One of the most common types of damage found on books and flat
    paper works is related to taped repairs and/or tape removal.
    This course provides participants with skills related to
    resolving this common problem. An introduction to various kinds
    of adhesive tapes commonly found and the different methods used
    for their removal and the safe usage and storage of solvents
    will be covered in this course. Participants are encouraged to
    bring their own objects to practice on. This course is aimed at
    conservators, bookbinders, librarians, archivists and others who
    work with paper artifacts, documents or works of art on paper.

    This is an introductory level course for participants with
    little or no previous experience in conservation.

    Price: 490.00 CHF. (Materials included)
    Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

See also:

    May 7-9, 2012 (Kurs Nr.112)
    December  3-5, 2012 (Kurs Nr.135)

120,121  Conservation of Leather Bindings
(2-part course: part 1 Theory and part 2: Practical Course)

Instructor:  Karen Vidler, Southampton, UK
Language: English with German translations

  General information: There are very few specialist courses
  available that focus on the theory and practice of leather
  bookbinding conservation.  This course will be taught by a
  specialist in the conservation of leather bindings with over 10+
  years experience as a book conservator who has undertaken research
  into the manufacture, deterioration and treatment of bookbinding
  leather. Participants of both the theory and practical courses
  will gain valuable knowledge and skills.

  The leather book is covered with a complex material composed of
  skin collagen, tanning agents and other chemicals while undergoing
  certain physical processes during manufacture. All stages in
  production are undertaken to produce the specific chemical and
  physical properties required for leather suitable for bookbinding.
  Familiarity with identifying the manufacture, types of leather
  damage and its impact on the binding structure as well as the
  suitability of current treatment options are important for the
  conservator to better understand the conservation needs of any
  leather bookbinding. Only with this knowledge can the conservator
  make informed decisions on the conservation of any leather
  bookbinding.

120 Conservation of Leather Bindings 1 - Introductory
(theory) course
July 18-20, 2012

    Instructor:  Karen Vidler, Southampton, UK
    Language: English with German translations
    Duration: 3 Days

        Participants will begin by exploring traditional and modern
        methods for making bookbinding leather. Then discuss and
        identify specific types of deterioration (age hardening,
        water / mould damage, mechanical damage, fire damage, acid
        decay, previous treatment) and how these can damage the
        binding structure. Some simple examination and testing
        techniques will be undertaken to determine the condition of
        leathers prior to deciding the most suitable conservation
        treatment. Participants will work with samples and handouts
        provided by the tutor to understand the theory and practice
        of analysis and treatment techniques which they can keep for
        their own future reference.

        Aimed at restorers and interested persons with previous
        experience in the restoration of books.

        This is an introductory course, but participants need good
        bookbinding and some book restoration skills or must have
        attended the course  "Repairs and Simple Restoration
        Procedures for Books" and have some basic bookbinding skills
        in particular must have worked with leather before.

        Price: 630,00.- CHF
        Admission policy: limited to 8 participants

    121 Conservation of Leather Bindings 2  - Practical course
    July 23-27, 2012

    Instructor:  Karen Vidler, Southampton, Uk
    Language: English with German translations
    Duration: 5 Days

        The practical course will build on the analysis and
        treatment techniques covered in the first part of the course
        and apply them to the participant 's individual projects.
        The program includes identifying leather species and
        tannins, cleaning and consolidation, humidification, Beva371
        infills, paring and dyeing leather, rebacking, surface
        finishes and current treatment research. Demonstrations will
        include board reattachment techniques such as board slotting
        and cord extensions as well as the use of Japanese repair
        papers to damaged leather. Relevant samples and handouts of
        techniques will be provided throughout the week by the
        tutor.

        Aimed at restorers and interested persons with previous
        experience in the restoration of books. This course is
        suitable for people who have completed the introductory
        courses "conservation of leather bindings 1 " or have
        equivalent knowledge in conservation.

        Price: 1050,00.- CHF
        Admission policy: limited to 8 participants

122 Washing and Drying Paper: Single Sheets and Textblock

July 30 - Aug 03, 2012

Instructor Renate Mesmer
language: German and English
Duration: 5 days

    There are many reasons why conservators wash paper:  to remove
    dirt and adhesives, relax and flatten, reduce stains, and wash
    away acids and other degradation products.  This two day,
    hands-on workshop will emphasize the practical aspects of
    washing and drying both single sheets and bound textblocks.  A
    variety of washing techniques will be covered, including
    blotter, float, slant-board, and full immersion of single sheets
    and bound items.  We will explore which techniques are best
    suited to accomplishing various treatment goals, discuss the
    pros and cons of different washing solutions and examine a
    number of drying methods.  Participants are encouraged to bring
    (expendable) items of their own for treatment as well as
    photographs of problem cases to discuss.

    Restorers and participants with equivalent knowledge. This is an
    intermediate level course suitable for students who have some
    prior experience in conservation in particular with the aqueous
    treatment of paper objects or have attended the course:  "Paper
    conservation1a and 1b ".

    Price: 1050.- CHF
    admission policy: limited to 8 participants

Centro del bel libro
Via Collegio 6
CH 6612 Ascona
Switzerland
+41 91 791 81 56
Fax: +41 91 791 81 30


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:34
                 Distributed: Sunday, January 22, 2012
                       Message Id: cdl-25-34-022
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