How To Repair Leather Bound Books

Leather book restoration requires thought and consideration of each project even before the work is begun. In general the purpose of restoration is to make a book once once more useable in a style that honors and reflects its original structure and advent. Taken into consideration is not but the book and its condition alone, but also its intended use and its historical importance. Will the book be preserved as an artifact, carefully shelved and handled just occasionally? Or will this exist a volume that will be part of a working library and referred to often? In the kickoff case, main attention tin can be paid to advent and fidelity to historical techniques. In the 2d case, a book that will be oft handled may require an alternative, more than robust construction that while not entirely historically accurate, will serve to extend its life while receiving greater use. Then there are those books, because of the their historic significance, should receive only minimal intervention, or perhaps none at all. In these cases, a protective enclosure such equally a clam trounce (or drop spine) box, a slipcase or portfolio would be an appropriate way to protect the volume from further deterioration.

A late 16th century bounden before restoration, showing the edges of the boards chipped and worn.

The edges of this 16th century bounden are worn and chipped on all sides, In addition, nearly 40% of the spine was missing. Intendance must be taken in working on an early binding such equally this to preserve all of the original material including the inner structure. Hither the board edges were built up and recovered with a sympathetic leather toned to match. Likewise, the spine fragment was lifted, a new spine was made in the manner of the original and the quondam spine was laid back down.

The binding later restoration.

History of Herkimer Canton showing typical article of clothing, with the articulation broken, the spine detached and frayed.

The restored volume.

The History of Herkimer County illustrates a typical leather binding restoration. The loose spine was removed, the leather on the outside of the boards and the endsheets on the inside were all lifted forth the spine edge. A new leather spine was made, toned to match the original and slipped under the raised leather. The original spine was laid down over it. On the within, new inner hinges matching the original endpapers were sewn to the text cake and also slipped nether the lifted endpapers. All loose material was pasted back down and final coloring ensured that the repairs blend with the original materials.