Advice on book Restoration

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Posted By: <b>Jason Mishelow</b><p>Due to the weak market on books and a willingness to purchase less then mint/fine condition materials I have been able to put together a decent collection of late 19th century item such as Changing Base 1868. American Boy's Book 1864, Boy's Own book 1844, A ball players career 1900. I am less concerned about the appereance of the books then the fact it is difficult to look through them when they suffer from weak hinges, broken text blocks ect and would like to have them restored to be more stable. my question is does anyone have any suggestions for a good person to use- there is no one local so location matters little (though if you knew someone in the Milwaukee Chicago area it would be a plus) Second what if a fair price for the type of work i am talking about. Finally would I be better off justing having the books totally restored (i.e. rebound over covers) rather then trying to save a bit on just stablizing them <br /><br />Thanks for Any suggestions

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Posted By: <b>barrysloate</b><p>I would try to retain the original covers if you could. I'd rather have an original book with some condition problems than one with the covers replaced.<br /><br />You probably don't need major work if you just want to reinforce the hinges, but I don't know anybody who could do it reasonably. I have a paper restorer but I've never asked him to repair a binding.<br /><br />I guess I didn't really answer your question. Maybe you can google something and find someone who can do the work. The books you have are not too expensive, so if you can't get it done cheaply it might be better to just sell your copy and look for an upgrade.

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Posted By: <b>Pat Nester</b><p>I have used Graphic Conservation here in Chicago where I live. The have done a very nice job on some paper items and photographs I have in my collection. They cost a little bit more but it might give you a place to start. Their website is graphicconservation.com

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Posted By: <b>Max Weder</b><p>Jason<br /><br />I use two restorers. Fraser Spafford Ricci <a href="http://www.fsrconservation.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.fsrconservation.com/</a" target="_new" rel="nofollow">http://www.fsrconservation.com/</a</a>> does conservation work for the Vancouver and Seattle art galleries.<br /><br />For more minor repairs such as repairing hinges and replacing missing endpapers, I have another local restorer. To find one in your area, you should contact the local art museum or higher end galleries, as most art restorers will also have the capability to restore paper, or will know someone who can.<br /><br />Getting a book rebound is definitely a last resort. Many books can be stabilized with a new backstrip and repaired hinges. <br /><br /><br />Max