The restoration of old books, drawings and maps is of great importance for the preservation of our artistic heritage. It stems from the need to save the content value of manuscripts, cards and drawings.
Initially, interventions were empirical and not very frequent because they preferred to make a copy rather than to preserve its value.
The approach to this art began to change in the Renaissance era, with the philological rediscovery of ancient texts.
In the eighteenth century, with chemistry, new intervention techniques were defined for stain removal and ink revival. Nowadays Old books are considered an artifact, a product of craft culture. There’s a supply chain that includes binding, filigree, engraving, printing, paper making, collation and useful tools.
History
Book restoration was born as a craft practice, exactly like all other types of restorations ( furniture, paintings, etc.)
Moreover, in 1938, the Central Institute for the Pathology of the Book, founded by Alfonso Gallo, contributed to giving importance to the conservator and restoration of books.