Wallace Conservation Lab

This week, our new(ish) conservator Garrett has been sewing a book on Occult Philosophy (1651) in preparation for rebinding. The book features plenty of bizarre and spooky images, and is also a great example of 17th century printing practices. Stay tuned for to see progress on the rebinding! #conservation #bookconservation #msuspecialcollections #rarebooks (at MSU Libraries) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4VXmihp-lh/?igshid=erebthsopevs

Nothing like a little mystery crust in a book first thing in the morning. Luckily, the missing piece was liberated from its yucky prison and reattached. #specialcollections #bookconservation #conservation #paperrepair #paperconservation https://www.instagram.com/p/B3XHhyspq2U/?igshid=1t7orvstls94n

I’m taking full advantage of the humidity today to flatten some vellum books. That’s one upside of the gloomy weather outside. #specialcollections #conservation #bookconservation #bookrepair https://www.instagram.com/p/B2UlSJpHaZa/?igshid=fb6cmhokgl6y

This week is really stringing me along. #specialcollections #bookrepair #conservation #bookconservation https://www.instagram.com/p/B2SK1tBHphz/?igshid=imwg3f75r8fe

People bring us the most interesting things. This week, it’s a book sprayed by a skunk. #specialcollections https://www.instagram.com/p/B1b4QhTn2N7/?igshid=1c8eipje6a2sh

We got to practice a little exhibit yoga while cleaning the cases and installing the newest exhibit this morning. #specialcollections #conservation #exhibit https://www.instagram.com/p/B1ZiYsHH85H/?igshid=fo7i2r9wzpey

I spy a good dog. We’re starting preparations for the newest Special Collections exhibit going up at the end of August that will include some very unique items from the collection, including this little guy. #specialcollections #conservation #exhibitprep #dog https://www.instagram.com/p/B0EjiENnA9z/?igshid=1jjam6qv4iovk

It’s astounding to me that one of our student workers has been using the same eraser for three years. She’s whittled it down to a nubbin and is considering replacing it with a new model. Maybe. #conservation #specialcollections #toolsofthetrade https://www.instagram.com/p/B0BpfvIHHBx/?igshid=f7xa87d65e3b

It’s so satisfying when you can peel the dried PVA out in one go. Now onto fresh PVA. #conservation #toolsofthetrade #specialcollections https://www.instagram.com/p/Bz0q3ACnH9p/?igshid=208oibn26agp

The extra layer of new tape over the old tape really gives the spine the stability it was missing. #specialcollections #taperemoval #paperconservation #bookconservation #conservation https://www.instagram.com/p/Bzq0RO-Hg9H/?igshid=4tq7m9t1ejmo

Sometimes a little maintenance is required. Spent the day doing paper inventory and sorting/identifying/labeling the scraps of paper in the student drawers. #specialcollections #conservation #paper https://www.instagram.com/p/BzGtLIwJf_O/?igshid=1ucc6m0j14ygf

Now that’s what I call a paper repair. Perhaps they were a bit heavy handed for a few small tears, but at least it’s fairly translucent and incredibly sturdy. #paperconservation #specialcollections #bookconservation #bookrepair https://www.instagram.com/p/ByX2OTPJ90Q/?igshid=855yguz04f7b

We are currently trying to figure out the best way to store a book made of (admittedly very shelf stable) cheese. Any ideas? #bookconservation #specialcollections #preservation #boxmaking https://www.instagram.com/p/Bw40tLxAz1A/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1nb0par1r0z52

A big part of our day-to-day work is enclosures, both custom to the item and pre-made. We’re very lucky to have a great group of hard working students who help us preserve our collection. #preservation #specialcollections #prsweek #conservation https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwu4KvngHvP/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=14115smntu6kp

It’s Preservation Week again! This is a whole week where preservation practitioners share their efforts in preserving our cultural heritage and why this is so important. We will be sharing what we do, tips for you, and resources that could help you in preserving your keepsakes. #bookconservation #specialcollections #conservation #preservation #preswk https://www.instagram.com/p/Bwkio0KAN_m/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1n8wm2kccxii2

Well, that’s one (really bad) way to reattach boards. #bookconservation #specialcollections #bookrepair #conservation #preservation https://www.instagram.com/p/BwC2Dz9gvyq/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hs3ehpkecmbp

Every time I surface clean a particularly dirty item, it never fails to amaze me just how much of a difference it makes. #bookconservation #specialcollections #conservation #paperconservation https://www.instagram.com/p/BvwouKggpcQ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1mhkx3mu1ujow