Tour of the Book Conservation Lad at the Bridwell Library

Clear your calendar for February 19th NTAAC meeting, because you won't want to miss this rare opportunity to visit the book conservation lab at the Bridwell Library.

Bridwell Library is a branch of the Perkins School of Theology on the campus of Southern Methodist University.  The Conservation Lab was originally added as part of a building expansion in 1988, in large part, to accommodate celebrated bookbinder and conservator Jan Sobota, who ran the lab until the late 90’s, and to service the expansive special collections housed within the library vault.  Highlights from the collection include the Triple Crown of Modern Typography (The Kelmscott Chaucer, The Doves Press Bible, and The Ashendene Dante).

Jesse Hunt moved to TX, and Bridwell Library, nearly two years ago in March of 2012 and gave new life to the conservation lab, which had been mothballed through most of the last decade.  Previous to that, he worked as Assistant Conservator to Richard Baker at the Richard Baker Book and Paper Conservation Studio in St.Louis, Missouri.  He studied printmaking and chemistry at the University of Missouri, St.Louis and has an extensive knowledge of fine art paper. 

We will discuss bookbinding and book conservation techniques and see some of the tools and materials used in the process.  Followed by a brief viewing of some items from our special collections library which will better illustrate how the tools and techniques discussed in the lab can be put to good use.

The Bridwell Library is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University, opposite the Meadows Museum, and just north of the Chapel.  

The tour  begins at 10:30am, on Wednesday, February 19th.  Due to space, the tour will be limited to  15 guests.  Please RSVP to NTAAC@yahoo.com ASAP.

After the tour we'll continue the conversation over lunch at DIGGS Taco Shop  

Stay tuned for more information...