Courses at the Centro del bel libro Ascona Program February - August 2012

Courses at the Centro del bel libro Ascona
Program February - August 2012
http://www.cbl-ascona.ch

104 Conservation of Parchment Documents
Feb 2-10, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 5 Days

Parchment is a very hygroscopic and reactive material and
requires special skills and knowledge for a successful
conservation treatment. This course begins with an introduction
into the history of parchment documents and a overview of
various conservation methods and techniques. Course topics will
include: analyzing various types of damages and their causes,
treatment proposals and documentation. Practical exercises will
include: Dry cleaning, filling of losses, mending tears and
flattening. The storing and housing of parchment objects will
complete the course.

The course is aimed at conservators and participants with
previous knowledge in conservation.

This is an intermediate level course suitable for participants
who have some prior experience in conservation.

Price: 800.00 CHF. (Material costs according to usage)
Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

105 Proper Handling and Preservation Methods for Books and Archival
Materials
Mar 1-2, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 2 Days

The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the crucial
factors that play a role in the proper storage and handling of
archival materials and to provide participants with the
practical knowledge and skills necessary to carry out basic,
simple repairs under conservational aspects. The topics covered
will include: climate conditions and their impact, care and
handling of objects, preparing exhibitions, proper storage
conditions and disaster planning. In addition we will learn how
to construct simple protective wrappers.

This course is aimed at librarians, archivists, antiquarian
dealers, bibliophilists and collectors, curators, art
historians, and others who work with paper artifacts, documents,
works of art on paper, etc. This is an introductory level course
for participants with little or no previous experience in
conservation

Price: 325.00 CHF. (Materials included)
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants.

See also: Nov 26-28, 2012 (Kurs Nr. 134)

106, 107, 108 Paper Conservation - Intensive Studies 1

Paper Conservation 1a (Course No. 106)
Mar 6-10, 2012

Paper Conservation 1b (Course No. 107)
Mar 12-16, 2012

Follow up course: Protective Enclosures for
Books and Archival Objects (Course No. 108
Mar 19-21, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 3 Days (minimum) - 13 Days (maximum)

This comprehensive intensive study program consisting of three
back to back courses, was designed for those persons wanting to
complete all the courses in paper conservation within a short
period of time. The courses are linked to each other and
increase in levels of difficulty.

The first two weeks of the course focus on the basics of paper
conservation in both theory and in practice. The emphasis will
be on practicing hands on skills. The third course will deal
specifically with creating protective enclosures for paper and
book objects. It is also possible to attend the courses
individually.

Paper Conservation 1a - Introductory Course (Course No. 106)
Duration: 5 Days

This introductory level course introduces participants to
the basics of paper chemistry, paper history and historical
papermaking and provides a basis for decision making
procedures in the conservation of paper objects. In this
course we will cover topics like: preservation issues,
damage analyses, treatment proposals and treatment reports,
as well as hands on treatment procedures. A wide variety of
treatment techniques will be demonstrated by the instructor
and practiced by the participants including: Dry cleaning,
washing and deacidification, mending tears, infilling of
losses, etc.

The course is aimed at bookbinders, novice restores,
students of conservation or others with equivalent
knowledge. This is an introductory level course for
participants with little or no previous experience in
conservation

Price: 800,00 CHF (Materials included)
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

Paper Conservation 1b (Course No. 107)
Duration: 5 Days

This course will give special attention to the topics of
sizing paper after aqueous treatment, bleaching methods,
tape removal and consolidation of water-sensitive media, as
well as lining techniques. Emphasis will also be placed on
individual problems and questions participants might have.
The course is aimed at participants who have completed the
introductory level course and gives others the opportunity
to intensify and improve upon their hands on skills.

The course is aimed at bookbinders, novice restores,
students of conservation or others with equivalent
knowledge. This is an introductory level course for
participants with little or no previous experience in
conservation

Price: 800,00 CHF (Materials included)
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

Protective Enclosures for Books and Archival Objects
(Course No. 108)

Duration: 3 Days

This course will enable participants to gain a greater
insight into the multiplicity of protective enclosures used
for protecting books, manuscripts, seals and other objects.
The theoretical part will cover preservation issues
concerning housing and will explore advantages and
disadvantages of the various materials and adhesives. During
the practical part of the course the participants will
construct various models and leave with a collection of
samples.

This course is aimed at bookbinders, conservators and/or
others with equivalent knowledge. This is an introductory
level course for participants with little or no previous
experience in conservation

Price: 490.00 CHF. (Material costs depending on usage)
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

Special Price for all 3 courses Intensive 1:
2.000 CHF
(regular price 2080.00 CHF)

109 Identification, protection and preservation of photographic
materials
April 16-18, 2012

Instructor: Klaus Kramer
Course Language: German and English
Duration: 3 days

The goal of this course is to provide an overview of the crucial
factors that play a role in the proper storage and handling of
photographic materials and to provide participants with the
practical knowledge to create proper storage conditions for
their collection. The course will also concentrate on the
history of photography and methods of identification, climate
conditions and their impact, care, handling and storage. It will
also highlight the subject of safeguarding photographs and how
to restore damaged images via analog and digital means. In
addition, we will also address the issues of durability of
digital media.

The course is an introductory level course and aimed at
conservators or others with equivalent knowledge. This is an
introductory course for people who don 't have much previous
experience with the conservation of photographs.

Course Fee 630.00 CHF
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

110 Long and Kettle Stitch Bindings
April 23-27, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 5 Days

Long and kettle stitch bindings or imp bindings have not
obtained the adequate attention of researchers in the past. This
was probably due to the lack of gilding and decoration.

In this course we will look at various forms of long- and kettle
stitch bindings and re-evaluate the possible application in
conservation. Participants will learn the various techniques
used in making these bindings and will complete a collection of
approx. 10 models. The practical work will be complemented by
theoretical studies in historical binding techniques and the
usage of appropriate conservation materials.

This course is aimed at bookbinders, conservators or others with
equivalent knowledge. This course is suitable for participants
with basic experience in bookbinding including sewing techniques

Price: 800.00 CHF (Material costs depending on usage)
Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

111 Preventive conservation and recovery:
Emergency management for water and fire damaged documents seen from
the perspective of a salvage expert
May: 3-4, 2012

Instructor: Guido Voser, Switzerland
Course language: German and English
Duration: 2 days

Emergency management in archives and libraries begins with
preventive conservation measures and includes many detailed
aspects that must be considered before instigating an emergency
response plan. The identification of existing hazards in and
around the building, how to respond in the case of an actual
disaster, the dynamics of such an event and it 's impact on the
recovery process, and the knowledge how recovery measures and
restoration treatment influence each other is the basis for a
professional emergency management. The course will focus on the
criteria that help establish an emergency plan. It will also
show strategies to exit from existing emergency plans, since
reality is always different from plans.

The aim of this course is to give a first orientation with this
complex subject and to show first and simple approaches.

This course is aimed at librarians, archivists, conservators and
restores and/or those with equivalent knowledge

Price: 420.00 CHF.
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

112 Tape Removal
May 7-9, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 3 Days

One of the most common types of damage found on books and flat
paper works is related to taped repairs and/or tape removal.
This course provides participants with skills related to
resolving this common problem. An introduction to various kinds
of adhesive tapes commonly found and the different methods used
for their removal and the safe usage and storage of solvents
will be covered in this course. Participants are encouraged to
bring their own objects to practice on. This course is aimed at
conservators, bookbinders, librarians, archivists and others who
work with paper artifacts, documents or works of art on paper.
This is an introductory level course for participants with
little or no previous experience in conservation.

Price: 490.00 CHF. (Materials included)
Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

See also:
July 11-13, 2012 (course Nr.119)
December 3-5, 2012 (course Nr. 135)

113 Calcium Phytate for the treatment of Ink corrosion caused by
Iron gall inks
May 14-16, 2012

Instructor: Cornelia Bandow
Language: German and English
Duration: 3 Days

Iron gall ink, widely used in the past, is a significant factor
in the deterioration of paper documents and books. The use of
calcium phytate is one of the solutions adapted to combat this
phenomenon. A combined treatment with both calcium phytate and
gelatine seems particularly effective.

The focus of the class will be on learning how to prepare the
phytate solution and on its application to various objects. We
will also learn about the sizing procedures using gelatine.
Additionally this class will address issues involved in the
choice of adhesives suitable for the stabilization and repair of
damaged objects. The theoretical part will introduce students to
the various testing methods used prior to treatment and the
theoretical background concerning this treatment method. In the
practical part, we will practise various techniques of applying
the solution, immersion bath, suction table, etc. and
participants will also test and apply various adhesives like;
Isinglass, gelatin, Klucel in ethanol, etc. used for the
stabilization of damaged and perforated pages.

Participants can also create a sample collection which can be
used for future reference.

This is an intermediate level course and aimed at conservators
and participants with previous knowledge in conservation.

Price: 630,00 CHF
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

114 Technical equipment in restoration
May 21-23, 2012

Instructor: Manfred Mayer
language: German with English translations
Duration: 3 days

Often the "traditionally" trained conservator can easily become
overwhelmed when having to choose, maintain and or correctly use
the wide range of highly technical equipment available to us
today.

Our technical equipment can only work as well as person who is
using it. In order to fully utilize the potential of your
equipment, it is essential to understand certain technical
aspects and the physics behind the technology involved. In this
class Manfred Meyer will share with us his vast experience and
expertise on this very exciting but often neglected subject.

The aim of the class will be on familiarizing ourselves with and
understanding the wide range of measuring devices, their
applications and methods. Special emphasis is put on
understanding the technology rather than having just "blind
faith " in the technology. Correct interpretation of technical
data and instruction manuals will help to avoid
misunderstandings between the conservator and manufacturer of
the equipment.

Course participants will learn through a series of specific
exercises on traditional equipment customary used in
conservation such as; light and climate measuring devices but
also on very specialized equipment like vacuum suction tables,
leaf casting machines, IR-heaters, ultrasonic humidity devices
and more. The focus will be learning through hands on work
exercises.

This course is aimed at conservators and participants with
previous knowledge in conservation.

Price: 630,00 CHF
Admission Policy: Limited to 8 participants

115 Leaf casting parchment
June 4-6. 2012

Instructor: Kerstin Forstmeyer
language: German with English translations
Duration: 2 days

In this course we will learn about the various aspects involved
in stabilizing and leaf casting on deteriorated and brittle
objects made from parchments.

The class will introduce and compare the various methods of leaf
casting parchments known in conservation today and will acquaint
students with all pros and cons of each method. The participants
will learn about a new modified recipe that is based on the
"Wouters recipe ", which has the advantage of being free of
formaldehyde and doesn't involve the expensive equipment that is
traditionally needed.

In the practical part of this course participants will learn
various application possibilities including applying the
suspension, either directly on the suction table or indirectly
by creating a loss repair piece that then gets attached to the
object in a second step. The colour matching of repairs will
also be covered in this course.

The aim of the class will be on enabling participants to make
the suspension and to learn how to apply and use it.

This is an intermediate level course suitable for students who
have some prior experience in conservation and are familiar with
customary equipment like a suction table.

Course fees: 420,00 CHF
Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants

116 Limp vellum binding
June 11-15, 2012

Instructor: Ian Maver
Language: English with German translations
Duration: 5 Days

Although they are derived from the same raw materials leather
and parchment differ radically in their appearance, physical
properties, chemical characteristics and their responses to
environmental conditions. These differences significantly
affect the ways in which parchment and leather are used for
covering books so that alternative techniques and methods have
to be applied as part of the binding process. This course
considers traditional methods of manufacturing parchment and
vellum and reviews historical methods of using parchment as a
covering material especially limp-vellum styles of binding.
Preparation of text blocks and suitable choice of sewing
materials will be explained. Methods of attaching parchment
covers using primary sewing, tacketing or other means will be
explained. Practical aspects of the course will focus on
producing at least one example of book bound in limp vellum that
incorporates many if not all significant features of that style
of binding. The potential of limp vellum binding methods for
conservation purposes will be discussed.

This is an introductory course, but participants need good
bookbinding and some book restoration skills and previous
experience working with parchment.

Price: 1050.00 CHF. (Materials included)
Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

117 Compact course on leather bindings
Development of binding structures over the centuries
June 25-29, 2012

Instructor: Barbara Hassel
Language: German and English
Duration: 5 Days

What are the characteristic features of leather bindings over
the centuries? >From a 3rd century Coptic codex to a 20th
century leather binding many structural features have changed.
We will be looking at the historic development of the Western
codex from the Coptic, Byzantine and Islamic bindings to the
specific features of Roman, Gothic and Renaissance bindings and
the modern (French) bindings The course will give an overview
over the changes in the course of the centuries by looking at
sewing structures, endpaper constructions, board attachments,
backings, endbands, covering materials and furnishings. The
course is composed of a theoretical part with lectures and
slides and a practical part with hands-on work, which will
concentrate mainly on making model books..

Aimed at Restorers and interested persons with some experience
in conservation. This is an introductory course, but
participants need some previous experience working with leather
and some basic bookbinding skills.

Course fees: 1050.- CHF
Limited to 8 participants

Joint collaboration between the two departments:
118 Marbled Paper
July 2-4, 2012

Instructor: Montse Buxo Marsa
Language: TBD
Duration: 3 days

The aim of this course is to give participants a thorough
understanding of how to produce marbled papers. Paper marbling
is a method of aqueous surface design, which can produce
patterns similar to smooth marble or other stone. The patterns
are the result of color floated on a viscous solution known as
size (carrageen moss), which are then carefully transferred to
an absorbent surface such as paper or fabric.

In this course we learn a variety of traditional patterns.
Participants are then invited to explore many new combinations
and creative possibilities in their own work. The course will
also show possibilities to use this technique on unusual
materials.

This course is aimed at bookbinder, restorers and everybody else
who is interested in this subject.

Price: TBD
Admission policy: Number of participants: TBD

119 Tape Removal
July 11-13, 2012

Instructor: Franziska Richter
Language: German and English
Duration: 3 Days

One of the most common types of damage found on books and flat
paper works is related to taped repairs and/or tape removal.
This course provides participants with skills related to
resolving this common problem. An introduction to various kinds
of adhesive tapes commonly found and the different methods used
for their removal and the safe usage and storage of solvents
will be covered in this course. Participants are encouraged to
bring their own objects to practice on. This course is aimed at
conservators, bookbinders, librarians, archivists and others who
work with paper artifacts, documents or works of art on paper.

This is an introductory level course for participants with
little or no previous experience in conservation.

Price: 490.00 CHF. (Materials included)
Admission Policy: Limited to 6 participants.

See also:

May 7-9, 2012 (Kurs Nr.112)
December 3-5, 2012 (Kurs Nr.135)

120,121 Conservation of Leather Bindings
(2-part course: part 1 Theory and part 2: Practical Course)

Instructor: Karen Vidler, Southampton, UK
Language: English with German translations

General information: There are very few specialist courses
available that focus on the theory and practice of leather
bookbinding conservation. This course will be taught by a
specialist in the conservation of leather bindings with over 10+
years experience as a book conservator who has undertaken research
into the manufacture, deterioration and treatment of bookbinding
leather. Participants of both the theory and practical courses
will gain valuable knowledge and skills.

The leather book is covered with a complex material composed of
skin collagen, tanning agents and other chemicals while undergoing
certain physical processes during manufacture. All stages in
production are undertaken to produce the specific chemical and
physical properties required for leather suitable for bookbinding.
Familiarity with identifying the manufacture, types of leather
damage and its impact on the binding structure as well as the
suitability of current treatment options are important for the
conservator to better understand the conservation needs of any
leather bookbinding. Only with this knowledge can the conservator
make informed decisions on the conservation of any leather
bookbinding.

120 Conservation of Leather Bindings 1 - Introductory
(theory) course
July 18-20, 2012

Instructor: Karen Vidler, Southampton, UK
Language: English with German translations
Duration: 3 Days

Participants will begin by exploring traditional and modern
methods for making bookbinding leather. Then discuss and
identify specific types of deterioration (age hardening,
water / mould damage, mechanical damage, fire damage, acid
decay, previous treatment) and how these can damage the
binding structure. Some simple examination and testing
techniques will be undertaken to determine the condition of
leathers prior to deciding the most suitable conservation
treatment. Participants will work with samples and handouts
provided by the tutor to understand the theory and practice
of analysis and treatment techniques which they can keep for
their own future reference.

Aimed at restorers and interested persons with previous
experience in the restoration of books.

This is an introductory course, but participants need good
bookbinding and some book restoration skills or must have
attended the course "Repairs and Simple Restoration
Procedures for Books" and have some basic bookbinding skills
in particular must have worked with leather before.

Price: 630,00.- CHF
Admission policy: limited to 8 participants

121 Conservation of Leather Bindings 2 - Practical course
July 23-27, 2012

Instructor: Karen Vidler, Southampton, Uk
Language: English with German translations
Duration: 5 Days

The practical course will build on the analysis and
treatment techniques covered in the first part of the course
and apply them to the participant 's individual projects.
The program includes identifying leather species and
tannins, cleaning and consolidation, humidification, Beva371
infills, paring and dyeing leather, rebacking, surface
finishes and current treatment research. Demonstrations will
include board reattachment techniques such as board slotting
and cord extensions as well as the use of Japanese repair
papers to damaged leather. Relevant samples and handouts of
techniques will be provided throughout the week by the
tutor.

Aimed at restorers and interested persons with previous
experience in the restoration of books. This course is
suitable for people who have completed the introductory
courses "conservation of leather bindings 1 " or have
equivalent knowledge in conservation.

Price: 1050,00.- CHF
Admission policy: limited to 8 participants

122 Washing and Drying Paper: Single Sheets and Textblock

July 30 - Aug 03, 2012

Instructor Renate Mesmer
language: German and English
Duration: 5 days

There are many reasons why conservators wash paper: to remove
dirt and adhesives, relax and flatten, reduce stains, and wash
away acids and other degradation products. This two day,
hands-on workshop will emphasize the practical aspects of
washing and drying both single sheets and bound textblocks. A
variety of washing techniques will be covered, including
blotter, float, slant-board, and full immersion of single sheets
and bound items. We will explore which techniques are best
suited to accomplishing various treatment goals, discuss the
pros and cons of different washing solutions and examine a
number of drying methods. Participants are encouraged to bring
(expendable) items of their own for treatment as well as
photographs of problem cases to discuss.

Restorers and participants with equivalent knowledge. This is an
intermediate level course suitable for students who have some
prior experience in conservation in particular with the aqueous
treatment of paper objects or have attended the course: "Paper
conservation1a and 1b ".

Price: 1050.- CHF
admission policy: limited to 8 participants

Centro del bel libro
Via Collegio 6
CH 6612 Ascona
Switzerland
+41 91 791 81 56
Fax: +41 91 791 81 30