Restoring Treasured Books: A Conservator’s Work at UVA’s Library

Deep within the University of Virginia’s Shannon Library, a quiet yet intricate process unfolds where books, some centuries old, are carefully restored to usability. This effort is not about restoring their original appearance but preserving their historical integrity.

“My goal is not necessarily to get it looking like it once did,” stated Sue Donovan, a special collections conservator at UVA Library. “We want these to be as intact and true to their history as possible.”

Among the many artifacts undergoing restoration is a medieval Italian choir book, believed to date back to the 14th or 15th centuries. Housed in the Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library, this leather-bound volume was in perilous condition before Donovan began her meticulous work. The spine’s leather had dried to the extent of flaking, with even the act of opening the book posing a risk of further damage.

Following several months of careful restoration, the choir book has regained its functional integrity, a remarkable feat for an artifact predating the United States by several centuries. Donovan dedicated approximately 100 hours to understanding the book’s construction, repairing its spine, and even had it X-rayed at UVA Health.

While not every restoration project undertaken by Donovan and her colleagues is as intricate or ancient, each one demands precision and expertise. Projects range from 20th-century children’s books to an ornamental sword belt from 1841, each requiring a unique approach.

Origins and Condition

According to Martin Antonetti, a faculty member at the Rare Book School, the choir book likely originated from a Franciscan household or monastery. This is supported by a leaf from the book, sold at auction for a significant sum, depicting Saint Francis receiving the stigmata.

The restoration process was intricate, as much of the leather had detached from the spine, while some sections remained firmly attached due to a strong adhesive used in the past. Donovan meticulously removed the old leather using a knife, then applied a bovine gelatin mousse between the book’s raised sewing supports to reinforce the parchment signatures. This method was tested for efficacy before being applied across the spine.