Get A Quote
Book Repair

Book Repair

Charlton Athletic Museum
beb charlton 6 1776418904

We collaborated with Charlton Athletic Museum to restore a historic minute book, which had faced severe damage. Our work involved stabilising delicate paper, repairing losses, and re-backing the volume with elegant leather. We also crafted a custom acid-free box in Charlton red, adorned with gold lettering. The outcome is a beautiful, stable piece for the museum.

  • Deteriorating historic minute book at risk of further damage

    The museum displayed a delicate volume of minutes, its age visible in the fragile, brittle pages and uneven fore edge. The book featured dog-ears and rusty staples, with a detached spine leather leaving the boards unsupported and torn endpapers.

    This artefact faced significant risks from handling and chemical damage due to rust and exposed edges. To protect this valuable item, the museum needed a strategy to stabilise its structure, retain as much original material as possible, and enhance its appearance for safe exhibition.

    Conservation goals included halting deterioration, employing archival techniques, preserving historic evidence, and providing long-term protective housing.

    beb chartlon 1 1776418809

  • Conservation treatment and bespoke protective housing

    We expertly blend standard conservation practices with custom bookbinding to enhance both form and function. Our meticulous approach includes dry cleaning, local repairs, and replacing rusty staples with stainless steel.

    The post-repair artefact is treated with care, culminating in a protective clamshell box to ensure its longevity while preserving its original beauty.

    beb charlton 2 1776418829

  • Stabilised volume and museum-ready presentation with archival housing

    The conserved minute book is back at the Charlton Athletic Museum, restored and ready for careful display. It maintains its original features while ensuring secure handling. With paper repairs and relining, the text is safe from loss, and the reinforced spine and joints enhance usability. The reattached original spine piece preserves its historical character.

    Encased in a custom clamshell box, the book is protected from dust and light, ensuring longevity and reducing future interventions. The gold-foiled spine lettering aids in identification, and the vibrant Charlton red buckram provides an appealing finish.

    beb charlton 6 1776418904
  • What they said
    Ben Hayes
    Trustee
    Charlton Athletic Museum

    We have already entrusted Bookends with two restoration projects and would be very pleased to work with them again.

    Read more
    Ben Hayes
    Trustee
    Charlton Athletic Museum

  • Project Gallery

    Click to enlarge any image

    Project Gallery
    beb chartlon 1 1776418809
    beb charlton 2 1776418829
    beb charlton 3 1776418855
    beb charlton 4 1776418873
    beb charlton 5 1776418892
    beb charlton 6 1776418904