The course "Restoration of manuscript books with a high degree of deterioration". has been completed after the first three editions were completed during the month of July at the Hospital de Tavera. This teaching programme has been under the direction of the Dr. María Dolores Díaz de Miranda Macías, recognised expert and head of the Workshop-Laboratory for the Restoration of Graphic Documents at the Ducal House of Medinaceli Foundation.
The course was attended by national and international professionals. Each edition of the course has been divided into five days where the participants have been able to combine theoretical sessions with practical activities. The dynamics of the course have been designed so that the participants have been able to work individually and in groups. The methodology applied during the development of the classes has helped these professionals to broaden their knowledge and skills. specialised knowledge in their respective fields of work.
During the course sessions, participants have learned how to identify and diagnose different books. They also learnt how to clean, moisturise and smooth parchment covers. In addition, paper analysis and washing methods were taught. Important topics such as re-coating and consolidating paper, as well as the preparation of adhesives, were also covered. One of the highlights of the course were mechanical reintegration of the paper, smoothing and hygroscopic stabilisation of the paper.
At the end of the training programme, participants learned how to bind and re-bind books. At the same time, on a more theoretical level, they have acquired knowledge about how to identifying and dating a binding through its role. This course, which has had three different editions and has been held in the Tavera Hospital in Toledo, has been a great educational experience for various professionals involved in the area of paper and parchment.
