Book Repair & Restoration

From split joints and detached boards to more substantial structural work, repairs are carried out with a measured and practical approach. The aim is simple: to restore strength, usability, and finish without unnecessary intervention.

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Repair Types

Dry cleaning removes surface dirt and grime from pages and text block edges using conservation-safe methods, improving handling and reducing further abrasion.

Note: This action is performed on all repairs
Early hinge separation is stabilised by reinforcing the joint between the cover and text block, helping the book open safely again.
Damaged or crushed case corners are consolidated and repaired to restore the protective structure of the cover.
Torn pages are carefully aligned and repaired with thin Japanese tissue and conservation adhesive to restore strength while remaining discreet.

Note: this can be either incredibly complex or very simple. Case by case basis and determined upon desk assessments.

Basic Repairs

A detached page is carefully reattached along its inner edge using a narrow adhesive join so it sits correctly within the book.

Often when more than 3-5 pages need tipping, this becomes another repair process.
A stronger repair where a thin paper guard is added to reattach a page while allowing it to flex and turn naturally.
Missing or severely damaged pages can be replaced with a printed or facsimile page inserted into the text block.

Note: Missing context to be provided by client
Where corners have been lost or heavily damaged, new material is built into the case corner to restore its structure and durability.

Intermediate Repairs

Damaged or failing endpapers are repaired or replaced to rebuild the structural connection between the text block and the cover.
Loose sections, damaged folds, or separating gatherings are reinforced and reattached to stabilise the internal structure of the book.
When the original or inexpert secondary sewing has failed, the book may be partially taken down and resewn using linen thread to restore the binding structure.
Major structural repairs where the spine covering is rebuilt or the text block is reattached to its original case after internal repairs.

Note: Rebacking rebuilds the spine covering while retaining original boards; recasing reattaches the text block into the case after structural work.