Posts filed under 'points of view'
By Sean Richards
Byzantium Studios
When you think of conservation and preservation, you may think of the environment. But for rare book collectors, conservation and preservation are the key to maintaining—and sometimes even increasing—the value of your prized investments.
Preservation Prevents Further Damage
Although conservation and preservation may sound like they refer to the same thing, the two terms differ significantly. When a book is preserved, it is simply protected from further damage. When someone wants a book preserved, I’ll often build a box to protect the book from the sun, air, and other environmental factors that can cause deterioration. A preservationist’s priority is the same as a doctor’s: do no harm. Preservation alone doesn’t alter the book in any way.
Conservation, however, requires a little more on chemistry to stabilize a book’s condition. A conservationist might, for instance, work on deacidifying a rare book, or use pigment dyes instead of chemical dyes to color materials used in repair. Conservationists may also alter the structure of the book to protect it from further damage over the long term.
What about Restoration?
Now if you want to return a book to its former glory, you want restoration. Restoring a book means using original materials and historic techniques to make the book look like it did when it was new—even if that was 200 years ago. Not all restorationists are familiar with conservation or preservation, so it’s important to choose someone who is not only familiar with period binding methods, but also understands how to protect your investment in the future.
A period binding should preserve the bibliographical value and integrity of the book.
Does restoring, preserving, or conserving a book improve its value? That all depends on the book, and the kind of work you have done. Regardless of whether you’re looking for conservation or restoration, you’ll want to choose a book binder who is proficient in both modern techniques and those that were used during the time period and in the geographical provenance of your book. The methods used to create, say, a 15th-century exposed board binding are very different from the ones used to create an ornate Victorian binding.
Factors to Consider
Any changes to the condition of an antiquarian book can significantly impact its value. That’s why it’s critical to consider all your options before commissioning preservation, conservation, or restoration work. Before you do either, think about these factors:
- What is the book’s value as-is?
- How will the book be used?
- Will you resell the book?
Once you’ve invested in conserving and restoring your collection, it makes sense to preserve them as well. Many collectors opt for a multi-pronged approach to maintaining their collection; they may ask me to restore or rebind a book—and to create a box to protect it.
If you have questions about preserving, restoring, or conserving your rare book collection, feel free to contact me via byzantium@sbcglobal.net or 405-329-6947.
September 21st, 2011
This week we introduce Sean E. Richards, of Byzantium Studios, Limited. Sean is a true craftsman who specializes in book restoration and conservation. He combines modern conservation methods with traditional techniques to deliver superior results.
Q: What sparked your love of rare books and book binding?
A: I grew up accompanying my parents on weekend “antiquing” trips. One Saturday I uncovered a 1790 copy of The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman. That same week, I received a catalog of rare books thanks to a mistake at the post office. From then on, I was hooked. I spent my days conducting “book autopsies,” taking apart books to see how they were assembled.
Q: Tell us a little about one of you favorite projects.
A: The University of Oklahoma invited me to restore a 1610 copy of Galileo Galilei’s Sidereus nuncius—signed by Galileo himself! The library shied away from discussing the books cost, classifying it only as “irreplaceable.” But it has since been valued at over $2 million. I worked on the book at a makeshift workshop in the library, over about two weeks. Even though I was confident in the quality and precision of my work, the project was extremely challenging and gained a lot of attention. It was invigorating to complete a project of such magnitude.
Q: When should a collector consider rebinding or restoring a book?
A: First it’s important to think about the potential value of the book. A $50 book probably doesn’t merit extensive restoration, since repairing the book probably won’t add significant value—or any at all. The exception is if the book has personal value.
Ultimately, restoring a book often enhances its value, makes it more usable, and ensures that you’ll be able to pass it down to future generations if desired. If any of these is a concern, then restoring or rebinding the book is the best choice.
Q: How does restoring or rebinding affect a book’s value?
A: That depends on the quality of the restoration or rebinding. A cheap library binding will most certainly decrease the value of a book. On the other hand, if the binding is totally missing, then replacing it with one close to the original will naturally add to the book’s value. A first-rate book preservationist can create an authentic looking replica binding and provide a record of all work done.
Q: What should rare book collectors look for when choosing someone to restore their books?
A: Book restoration really is an art form. Look for someone who can provide samples of work and references—after all, this person will be handling some of your most cherished investments. Ask about the materials and tools to be used. And remember that an exceptional restoration may cost more than the relative value of the book. But a first-rate job will more than pay for itself in the long run.
If you have other questions about book binding, preservation, or conservation, Sean welcomes your inquiries. Contact him via his website.
May 11th, 2011
Ohmygod the book is dead – yet again. Another assassin, the iPad, wings its way across the Atlantic, sowing shock and awe and bringing angels of death to mainstream everything. Those still smearing black gunge on dead trees are portrayed as Hare Krishna nutters, banging the drum for the old religion. They are so completely yesterday. Whataboy, Jobs. Buy Apple. Gimme another freebie.
Continue Reading January 30th, 2010
