The text-block had been “pulled” apart and severely damaged, by a non professional and all the original sewing had already been removed before it entered my studio. Leaving each gathering severely torn and damaged by this process.

My conservation treatment

• New paper joints to each gathering were made with Japanese paper.
•  The book was re-sewn on cords at the original sewing holes, evidence was used to ascertain the original sewing structure and replicate this.
• New hand sewn head and tail bands were made.
• A hollow was created over the cords to create a hollow back ( protecting the new raise bands)
• A new spine was made from hand toned leather.
• The original boards were conserved and reattached onto the book, with original end papers intact.
• A gold tooled title label was added.