Course on conservation of leather bindings

Conservation of Leather Bindings (2-part course)
Centro del bel libro, Ascona:

There are very few specialist courses available that focus on the
theory and practice of the conservation of bookbinding leathers.
This course will be taught by Karen Vidler, a true specialist in the
conservation of leather bindings. With more than 10 years experience
as a book conservator and an intensive researcher into the
manufacturing, deterioration and treatment of bookbinding leather,
Karen offers the participants of this course a wide range of
valuable knowledge and skills in both theory and practical
applications in this complex and difficult subject.

Bookbinding leather is a complex material composed of skin collagen,
tanning agents and other chemicals which undergo certain physical
processes during the manufacturing process. Various processing
stages are undertaken to produce the specific chemical and physical
properties required for a leather to be suitable for bookbinding. In
this course we will learn how to identify these various historic
methods of production, the various types of leather and the damage
that can occur related to these production methods. We will then
learn to assess for ourselves, which conservation treatments are
best suited for the different types of damages.

Part 1: Conservation of Leather Bindings 1 - Introductory (theory)

July 18-20, 2012

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

    Course description: We will begin by exploring traditional and
    modern methods for making bookbinding leather and then learn to
    identify specific types of deterioration like; age hardening,
    water / mould damage, mechanical damage, fire damage, acid
    decay, previous treatments and how this causes damage to the
    binding structure. Some simple examination and testing
    techniques will be presented to determine the leathers condition
    prior to determining the most suitable conservation treatment.
    Participants will work with samples and handouts provided by the
    instructor to better understand the theory and practice of
    analysis and treatment techniques.

    The course is aimed at: Conservator's, Restores and interested
    persons with previous experience in the restoration of books.
    Participants are required to have:

        Previous experience in working with leather Bookbinding
        skills and some book restoration experience

        (Basic skills in working with leather and basic bookbinding
        skills will not be covered in this course).

    Course fee: 630,00.- CHF (Swiss francs)
    Admission policy: Limited to 8 participants

Part 2: Conservation of Leather Bindings 2 - Practical Course
July 23-27, 2012
Duration: 5 Days

    Course description: In the practical course we will expand on
    the analysis and treatment techniques covered in the first part
    of the course and apply them to the participant's individual
    projects. The practical applications will include: 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 on damaged leather. Relevant samples and
    handouts of various techniques will be provided throughout the
    course by the instructor.

    The course is aimed at: Conservators, Restores and interested
    persons with previous experience in the restoration of books.
    Participants are required to have:

        Attended the introductory courses "Conservation of leather
        bindings 1"

        Or have equivalent knowledge and experience in conservation.

        (Basic skills in working with leather and basic bookbinding
        skills will not be covered in this course).

    Course fee: 1050,00.- CHF (Swiss francs)
    Admission policy: limited to 8 participants

For course registration contact our office: info<-at->cbl-ascona<.>ch

For specific information concerning the courses contact
f.richter<-at->cbl-ascona<.>ch

Course location: Ascona is situated on the lake of Maggiore in the
southern part of Switzerland, famous for its beauty and its
mediterranean climate. It is a popular vacation area with a southern
European flair. To learn more about the area and possible
accommodations, visit the website of the Tourist Office
Locarno/Ascona:

    <URL:http://www.ascona-locarno.com>

Further information about accommodations can also be found on

    <URL:http://www.cbl-ascona.ch>

Franziska Richter
Centro del bel libro
Head of Department
Book and Paper Conservation
Via Collegio 6
CH-6612 Ascona
+41 91 791 81 56
Fax: +41 91 791 81 30

from the Coptic, Byzantine and Islamic bindings to the specific
features of Roman, Gothic and Renaissance books and the modern
(French) bindings. The course will give you a critical insight and a
historical overview about the structural changes in bookbinding
throughout the centuries by looking intensely into the sewing
structures, endpaper constructions, board attachments, backings,
endbands, covering materials and furnishings of each period. This
information is essential information for understanding and
identifying books from the various periods.

The course will consist of a theoretical part with lectures and
slides and a practical part with hands-on work, with which we will
concentrate mainly on the making of historical model books. The
models can then later be used as your personal reference library.

This course is aimed at: Restorer's and interested persons with some
previous experience in conservation. This is an introductory course
but participants are required to have:

    Previous experience in working with leather

    Bookbinding skills and some book restoration experience

    (Basic skills in working with leather and basic bookbinding
    skills will not be covered in this course).

Course fees: 1050.- CHF
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

For course registration contact our office: info<-at->cbl-ascona<.>ch

For specific information concerning the courses contact
f.richter<-at->cbl-ascona<.>ch

Course location: Ascona is situated on the lake of Maggiore in the
southern part of Switzerland, famous for its beauty and its
mediterranean climate. It is a popular vacation area with a southern
European flair. To learn more about the area and possible
accommodations, visit the website of the Tourist Office
Locarno/Ascona:

    <URL:http://www.ascona-locarno.com>

Further information about accommodations can also be found on our
website

    <URL:http://www.cbl-ascona.ch>

Franziska Richter
Centro del bel libro
Head of Department Book and Paper Conservation
Via Collegio 6
+41 91 791 81 56


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:42
                  Distributed: Friday, March 16, 2012
                       Message Id: cdl-25-42-015
                                  ***