Textbook Rebacking and Repair

Wrapping a piece of Japanese tissue paper coated in diluted PVA glue between the pastedown and the cover to stabilize the joint.

One of my largest projects in the Minnesota History Center Book and Paper Conservation Lab was the rebacking of a textbook of classical literature dated 1883. Through the use of PVA glue, methylcellulose, scalpels, and spatulas, I performed a complete rebacking and tipped in a number of maps and pages that were torn out from prior use.

Through this experience I honed my skills with mechanical processes such as adhesive removal, fine tuned my hand eye coordination, and learned how to weigh the risks and benefits of different techniques. I also practiced working efficiently and precisely while under time constraints.