The development of a testing method for assessing book joint repair

Summary One of the major problems facing book conservators is that of detached boards. In response to this longstanding problem, bookbinders and book conservators have devised many techniques of reattaching boards with varying degrees of success. Recently, Japanese tissue has been used as its high strength-to-weight ratio, combined with flexibility and ability to accept colour, has allowed a relatively strong joint and visually integrated external finish to be achieved very rapidly in some classes of work. The present study was conducted to design a dedicated testing apparatus and protocol for data collection that would allow the effect of board reattachment treatments with Japanese papers to be investigated and quantified. Having developed an apparatus and protocol, the results of a series of preliminary investigations of sample joints and standard treatments are presented.