Vintage view: Caring for old and delicate volumes

Since ancient times books have served us as compact receptacles for information, wonder and entertainment.

The greatest works of mankind may now be electronically available to all, but many of us are still drawn to the hushed magic of forgotten, crumbling titles waiting patiently to win a reader’s attention.

There are two things to think about with older or valuable books, and that’s how to store and handle them in a way that causes no damage. Secondly, where there is some damage or weakness in the elements of a book, it’s vital to stabilise its condition and not make the problems worse especially if you’re not in a position to have the books restored by a conservator.