Restoration and Conservation

"Restaurieren heißt nicht wieder neu machen!" -To restore does not mean to make it like new! was the title of an exhibition in Germany and it is already used like a saying among the conservators. The conservator is bound to an international code of ethics. It bases generally on the E.C.C.O. professional guidelines.

When do you need a conservator?

What do you do, when your book is broken? What, when the etching is stained? When should you visit a conservator?

Just do a little test:

Are you really bothered by the condition of your book, graphic or paper object? Yes No

Would you like to preserve as much as possible of the original substance? Yes No

Are you interested in further investigation of the material or the technique? Yes No

Would you prefer that the materials used in the treatment are thoroughly tested, longlasting and of highest quality? Yes No

Do you prefer that the applied methods treat your object with the outmost care? Yes No

Are you interested in a photographic and written documentation of the restoration/ conservation work? Yes No

Is it a unique object like a manuscript, a drawing or a book with dedication? Yes No

Has it a historic value? Yes No

Has it a personal value (heirloom, remembrance)? Yes No

Is it difficult or very expensive to get another copy of your object? Yes No

If you marked just one "Yes" it is a good reason to talk to a conservator.

Choose a conservator with a good formation like i.e. a graduated conservator. He should be specialized in paper conservation and if it is a book you are concerned about as well in book conservation. Only talking to a specialist you can be sure, that your precious objects are treated in the best possible way.

There is always the possibility to send me your book or graphic by post. You'll find some examples of my restoration/ conservation work as well as references on the following page "Projects & References".

I restore:

Books, leather bindings, engravings, lithographics, manuscripts, bookpages, folia, pamphlets, sections, diaries, etchings, wallpaper, poster, aquatinta, pastels, drawings, documents, photos, papiermaché, globes, watercolours, illuminations, post cards, portfolios, gouache, boxes, slipcases, paperfans, playing cards, field maps, certificates, woodcuts, reports, letters, files, account books, magazines, newspaper, blueprints, tracing paper, sketches, layouts, floor plans, maps, seals, scrolls, ....

Leather, parchment, vellum, paper, papyrus, cardboard, board, bast, papiermaché

I close tears and holes, bleach, remove stains, deacidify paper, remove mould, consolidate paint and other substances, care for bindings, flatten bends, remove cellotape or adhesives ...

For the conservation and the storage of your precious objects I also fabricate boxes, slipcases, portfolios and passepartouts out of the best longlasting materials.