Conservation Of Leather And Related Materials

"Leather is one of the most challenging materials to preserve. When it comes to leather conservation, it's impossible to think of it as a single material. The physical properties of leather, as well as its susceptibility to deterioration, are determined by the skin type and processing procedure used. Part of the reason for the difficulty is that the nature of the raw hide and the methods involved in turning it into leather must be considered. While this description appears straightforward, it is important to remember that leather can be created from practically any animal hide, including mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, and processed in a variety of methods. The fact that the bulk of leather goods are multi-component adds to the complexity. This indicates that they are made up of materials other than leather. To be able to foresee ageing issues, it's very crucial to understand how leather is handled and cared for.

The book examines, analyses, and defends the pillars of leather conservation and their critical importance in today's world. It goes over the principles and methods that have been created in this subject in great depth. The chapters in this book cover a wide spectrum of scientific disciplines such as properties of leather, testing leathers, gilt leather and cuir bouilli. The majority of the issues covered in this article are novel methodologies and applications. It also explores techniques of leather making, techniques of leather making, the manufacture of parchment, furs and furriery. This book is a comprehensive collection of chapters that cover everything from the fundamentals of to the most advanced ideas and principles. The book is excellent for people who want to learn more about this topic in depth."

Cristiana Mendez received her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Public University of Science, Oregon. She is a distinguished professor of undergraduate education and serves as guest faculty for several universities across America and Europe. Mendez has wide-ranging areas of academic and research interests, which include high strength composites, leather and reinforced plastics. She has also been an invited speaker at various international conferences.

Preface IX
1. The Nature and Properties of Leather 1
1. Introduction 1
2. History of leather 2
3. Properties of Leather 3
4. Chemical testing of leather 8
5. Mechanical properties of leather 10
6. Tricks for Leather Products Care 12
7. Impact of leather fabric on the environment 14
Conclusion 15
References 16
2. Testing Leathers and Related Materials 19
1. Introduction 19
2. Determination of raw material 20
3. Determination of Tannage type 21
Conclusion 27
References 27
3. The Manufacture ofLeather 29
1. Introduction 29
2. Tanning in prehistoric and classical times 30
3. Tanning in the medieval and post-medieval periods 34
4. Tanning in the nineteenth century 35
5. Production Process 42
6. Tanning in modern times 47
Conclusion 48
References 49
4. Gilt Leather 51
1. Introduction 51
2. History of Gilt leather 52
3. Technique 56
4. Use of gilt leather 57
5. Gilt Leather Conservation and Restoration 67
Conclusion 70
References 70
5. Cuir Bouilli 72
1. Introduction 72
2. The cuir bouilli technique: An Historical Method of Hardening Leather 73
3. Leather moulding techniques 86
4. The origins of the cuir bouilli technique 87
5. Artistic context and iconography of the cuir bouilli enclosed garden 88
6. Damage and 19th-Century Restoration History 90
7. Changes undergone by the leather in the cuir bouilli process 91
8. Conservation Treatment 92
Conclusion 93
References 93
6. The Tools and Techniques of Leathermaking 95
1. Introduction 95
2. Leatherworking tools 96
3. Leather Working Burnisher & Slicker Tools 99
4. Leather Working Cleaning & Conditioning 102
5. Leather Working Creaser/Folder Tools 103
6. Leather Working Knives and Bladed Tools 104
7. Leather Working Dyes, Paints, and Finishes 108
8. Leather Working Edger and Beveler Tools 110
9. Leather Working Finishing Tools 113
10. Leather Working Glues & Adhesives 114
11. Leather Working Gouge Tools 116
12. Leather Working Hardware Fasteners and Setter Tools 117
13. Leather Working Holding Tools 120
14. Leather Working Marking Tools 121
15. Leather Working Mauls, Mallets, and Hammers 124
16. Leather Working Measuring Tools 126
17. Leather Working Chisels 129
18. Leather Working Punches Tools 130
19. Leather Working Sewing Tools 135
20. Leather Working Skivers Tools 141
21. Leather Working Splitters Tools 143
22. Leather Working Stamps Tools 143
23. Leather Working Tooling Etching, & Engraving Tools 144
24. Leather Working Tools Maintenance 144
25. Leather Working Surfaces 146
26. Reinforcements 150
27. Techniques 152
Conclusion 155
References 155
7. General Principles of Conservation 158
1. Introduction 158
2. Conservation and restoration treatments and techniques 158
3. Causes of deterioration to leather 161
4. Principles of care, storage and display 162
5. Conservation and restoration materials 164
6. Preventive Conservation 166
7. Preliminary Cleaning 176
8. Treatment of Brittle and/or Desiccated Leather 177
9. Treatment of Wet or Waterlogged Leather 179
10. The Aging of Leather and its Implications for Conservation 182
11. The essential nature of proper preservation 184
12. Issues Regarding the Conservation of Leather Artefacts 186
Conclusion 189
References 189
8. Furs and Furriery: History, Techniques and Conservation 192
1. Introduction 192
2. History of fur use 193
3. Composition 198
4. Conservation of Fur 220
Conclusion 224
References 224
9. The Manufacture of Parchment 227
1. Introduction 227
2. History of Parchment 228
3. Manufacturing 230
Conclusion 238
References 239
10. The Conservation of Parchment 242
1. Introduction 242
2. Conservation treatments 243
3. Recent Developments in the Conservation of Parchment 246
4. Agents of deterioration 258
5. Storage and Preventive Care 259
Conclusion 263
References 264
Index 267