Materials & Craftsmanship

Leather 

We utilise leathers sourced from local tanneries and suppliers. For the majority of books dating from the 17th to the 19th centuries, we use vegetable-tanned leather. Each piece is hand-dyed using either a water-based aniline dye or a spirit dye, carefully matched as closely as possible to the colour and character of the original leather to ensure a sympathetic and historically accurate restoration.

Sewing thread

The thread utilised for sewing books must be strong and acid-free to ensure longevity. We use imported linen thread in various sizes, depending on the book’s dimensions.

Paste

Wheat flour paste is used for covering books and most other applications to guarantee reversibility. It has been used in books for centuries.

Wheat starch paste is generally used for paper repair and for reinforcing sections that require re-sewing. It maintains its integrity for hundreds of years without discoloration, making it ideal for archival and restoration work.

While PVA is used, we make every effort to avoid it where possible. When its use is necessary, we employ a low pH variant. It is only applied in cases where it will not compromise the integrity of the book or hinder any future restoration that may require reversibility.