Specialized in Object and Library & Archive Conservation
L'unione Fraterna dei Popoli
Owner: University of Pennsylvania Libraries
Lab #: 20_0362
Object: Book
Author: Stefano Pietro Zecchini
Object Date: 1848
Dimensions: Binding: 189 x 12 x 10 mm Text block: 177 x 104 x 3 mm
Consulted:
Penn Library Conservation Department
Report Date: 04-26-2022
Treatment Images
Condition and Description
The yellow library style binding contained areas of excess adhesive. The edges of the text block also had areas of excess adhesive, preventing the text block from fully opening. Pages 20 and 21 were adhered together in seemingly random spots, also likely excess adhesive. Apart from the adhesive, the text block was in otherwise stable condition with minor tears from attempts to open the text block while adhered on the edges. The paper exhibited some foxing.
Treatment Summary
Adhesive Removal and Mending
Along the edges of the text block I removed the excess adhesive suing a 4% methyl cellulose poultice and mechanical action. Any mending was done using Hiromi mending strips and wheat starch paste.
Page Detachment
I tested water, ethanol, 1:1 mixture, and acetone to soften the adhesive adhering pages 20 and 21 together. Acetone was successful and I proceeded with direct application via brush and mechanical action. Any skinned areas were adhered under a microscope, using wheat starch paste.
PC: Sibylla Shekerdjiska-Benatova
Re-casing
The current case was removed due to the excess adhesive present and the risk of unwanted adhesion to the text block. I sewed on Mohawk paper end sheets and constructed a paper case to re-case the book.