| Abstract: | Summaries. This brief paper is intended to demonstrate parchment both as a writing and a binding material, taking examples from the past and the present. As a restorer at a library(TheDuke August Library, Wolfenbilttel, West Germany) which is rich in older holdings, the great extent to which parchment has been used in a variety of ways in the general make-up of bookbindings has become clear to the author. Indeed, towards the end of the Middle Ages limp bindings are found which consist exclusively of parchment. The overall uses of this material and examples demonstrate to what degree parchment or vellum has - or has not - proved itself as a binding material, as such knowledge can be of valuable assistance to the restorer and conservator. The durability of parchment was known early to bookbinders, but its use did not correspond in every case to specific needs. It seems always to have been considered a relatively expensive material, as evidenced by the many manuscripts which were cut up for re-use for other purposes or even were written on again. Today an aversion to parchment is felt by many restorers and bookbinders. Admittedly its preparation is not always easy, and it does react quite differently to paper and leather. The following is intended to be an encouragement to all those involved in these fields to put more trust in vellum and parchment. |
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