Hand-Crafted Book Conservation and Restoration for Sussex Collections

The Bookends Bindery are a business based in London specialising in traditional and conservation-grade bookbinding and repair. We work with private owners, churches, museums, libraries and academic institutions across Sussex to stabilise, restore and present printed and manuscript material. Our approach is educational and evidence-based: we explain recommended treatments, care options and long-term storage so clients can make informed decisions.

We offer a wide range of services tailored to the particular needs of Sussex collections, including:

• Book restoration and rebinding for damaged or worn bindings
• Paper repair and conservation including tears, foxing and deacidification advice
• Document and certificate restoration such as birth, marriage and family papers
• Custom boxes and portfolios for archival storage and display
• Leather and cloth restoration and sympathetic rebacking

Sussex’s mix of coastal humidity and inland rural collections presents specific conservation challenges. We routinely advise institutions and private clients near Brighton, Chichester, Arundel and the South Downs on environmental control, shelving and handling to help prevent further deterioration. We also provide secure postal repair services, local collection/return for larger items and on-site assessments for larger institutional projects.

We are experienced in working with religious institutions, livery companies, universities, museums and private collectors — understanding both the historic significance of items and the practical need for everyday use. Whether you are safeguarding family Bibles by the seaside, conserving parish registers near Chichester Cathedral or rehousing fragile volumes for a small museum near Glyndebourne, we provide clear advice, transparent pricing and conservation-led solutions.

To arrange a consultation, condition survey or bespoke quote across Sussex, please contact us. We can schedule visits to collections throughout the county and advise on transport, insurance and the best approach to long-term preservation.

• Brighton
• Hove
• Worthing
• Bognor Regis
• Chichester
• Arundel
• Lewes
• Eastbourne
• Hastings
• Shoreham-by-Sea
• Littlehampton
• Crawley
• Horsham
• Haywards Heath
• Uckfield
• Seaford
• Steyning
• Burgess Hill
• Midhurst
• Glynde

• BN1
• BN2
• BN3
• BN11
• BN20
• BN21
• BN22
• BN41
• BN42
• BN43
• PO19
• PO20
• RH10
• RH11
• RH12
• RH13
• RH14
• RH15
• RH16
• TN31
• TN34