Die Restaurierung der Berliner Fableaux-Handschrift

Eine Kooperation über den Buchdeckel hinaus

Abstract

The Restoration of the Berlin Fableaux Manuscript – A Cooperation beyond the Book Cover
Valuable textiles like fabrics of silk, used for covering books, often show severe deterioration. Intense use results in superficial abrasion and in weakened or torn joint and spine areas. Most important was the discussion between book and textile conservators in order to find a solution for securing the fragile textile as well as enabling the function of spine and joint when opening the book. This paper deals in particular with the binding of a 13th century parchment manuscript with a silk velvet hardcover from the 18th century from the collection of the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin – Preußischer Kulturbesitz. The conservation treatment included underlaying the large missing areas with dyed silk. In addition, a fine transparent net made of monofilament nylon tulle was stretched over the damaged spine. The textile conservators ensured the protection of the fragile original fabric, using special stitches to connect the layers.