Photos and article by Becky Phillips, WSU Today
Along the dark hallways in the vaults of Terrell Library – there are rooms where thinkers and artists of the Renaissance still seem to come alive. “It’s like being able to go back into a 17th century bookstore and browse,” said Trevor Bond, interim head of Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections (MASC).
Bond is leading a project to restore previously repaired early modern books. The project, supported by a grant from the Washington State Library, allows the department of MASC to renovate rare books that were incorrectly refurbished in the 1970s and 80s. “WSU has fabulous early printed collections (of books) that were bought in the 1920s 40s when European books were expensive,” said Bond. “Unfortunately, a number of these books were improperly rebound and the grant is allowing us to use modern conservation techniques to remove acidic endpapers, inappropriate glues, etc.”
To see a Soundslide show giving a glimpse into the process of restoring 17th century books, click here.
Preservation of these books will allow students to make greater use of the collection. In the future, Bond said the department may also collaborate on a graduate certificate in print culture as an addition to an M.A. or Ph.D. in history, for example.
Bond is assisted in the project by Jennifer Jouas, conservator for MASC, and Sierra Kaag, consultant.
Tours through the rare book and manuscript vaults are available to the public, Monday through Friday. Reservations can be made at the MASC front desk in Terrell Library or call: 509-335-6691.
For more information, see online @ https://www.wsulibs.wsu.edu/holland/masc/masc.htm
To see a Soundslide show giving a glimpse into the process of restoring 17th century books, click here.
