Exhibition presented by Carole Jeanneret
from the "Open Book" workshop
24 Rue de Lausanne in Fribourg
"The mission of the conservator/restorer: what if your books could last another 100 years?"
From June 3 to 27, 2026 at L'Atelier, Place Notre-Dame 16 in Fribourg
Don't do
Prevention is better for preservation
Do not use tape!
It is strongly discouraged, and even strictly forbidden, to use adhesives such as Scotch tape or other adhesive strips on paper documents, parchment, or even books. These products, formulated with acidic glues and polymers, cause a chemical transfer of acidity directly into the substrate. This reaction begins immediately upon application and continues throughout the contact time, resulting in progressive but irreversible damage to the fibers or skin.
Over time, even after the adhesive is removed, residual deposits continue to chemically attack the document. Visible traces then appear, often translucent or yellowed, corresponding to the areas where the adhesive strip was applied. Once established, these alterations cannot be completely erased: they permanently mark the surface of the paper or parchment, altering both the aesthetic appearance and the integrity of the document.
In the event of subsequent restoration, the presence of tape or adhesive residue considerably complicates the procedure. The conservator-restorer must then carry out specific, often delicate and meticulous treatments to try to stabilize the weakened areas and limit residual damage. These operations are not only technical but also costly, both in terms of time and materials, and do not guarantee the complete disappearance of the damage. To best preserve the material and avoid extensive and irreversible interventions, it is therefore essential never to apply tape-type adhesives to a paper document, parchment, or book.
In conclusion, never use tape to repair a work of art; instead, seek a quote or advice from a professional. Quotes are often free and without obligation.
If there is no other option, opt for Filmoplast P, an adhesive available in stores like Boesner in Aarberg or online.
Filmoplast P is a special, thin, transparent, self-adhesive paper for discreetly repairing torn edges and archival materials. It is formulated based on the latest findings on the preservation of cellulose fibers. Its resistance to aging is tested by the Papiertechnische Stiftung (PTS) and certified by the Photographic Activity Test (PAT) according to ISO 18916. The paper has an adhesive backing and is silicone-coated; aged to pH 8.4.
Photographs of a piece of tape and a Filmoplast P package
Image from the internet and © Boesner.ch
Do not use plastic as temporary or permanent protection!
The use of plastic coverings for artworks, paper documents, parchments, or books should be avoided and, preferably, eliminated, whether as a temporary or permanent measure. Plastics give an immediate impression of protection, but in reality, they create a sealed, impermeable environment that prevents the materials from "breathing." This microclimate, devoid of air exchange, promotes the accumulation of moisture, an ideal condition for the growth of mold and microorganisms that can permanently damage the materials.
Furthermore, when plastic is in direct contact with the document or even very close to it, it can retain heat and locally increase the temperature. This temperature rise accelerates the internal chemical reactions of the paper (oxidative aging, fiber hydrolysis), which mechanically speeds up the deterioration process. Over time, even without any apparent presence of water, areas encased in plastic can develop irreversible yellowing, brittleness, and stains.
Fortunately, there are significantly safer and more suitable alternatives for preserving works on paper, parchment, or books. For example, acid-free paper envelopes, acid-free cardboard storage boxes, or museum-quality cases are preferable, as they allow for limited air circulation while providing good mechanical protection. For transport or storage, rigid cardboard boxes, ventilated transport tubes, or paper sleeves are far better for long-term preservation than any plastic packaging. (See the "Containers" page on this website.)
By systematically abandoning plastics in favor of these more suitable materials, we considerably reduce the risks of mold, chemical degradation and deformation of works and documents.
On the left, a plastic sleeve; on the right, paper sleeves.
Image from the internet and © Oekopack AG
Do not grease the leather of books!
It is now preferable to abandon the practice of greasing bookbinding leather, as it often damages the material more than it preserves it. Long presented as a form of care, applying grease or oils to a book's leather can actually profoundly disrupt its structure. Bookbinding leather is already an aging and fragile material, whose condition depends primarily on stable storage conditions, not on an excessive application of grease. Improper care can therefore accelerate its deterioration instead of preventing it.
When too much grease is applied to book leather, it can gradually become powdery, meaning brittle and dusty on the surface. The material then loses its cohesion, disintegrates more easily, and becomes more vulnerable to friction, handling, and environmental variations. Furthermore, excess grease often darkens the leather, darkening it unevenly and altering its original appearance, thus compromising both its legibility and its heritage value.
Furthermore, these repeated applications do not actually address the underlying causes of leather aging. They may temporarily mask its dry or worn appearance, but they can also promote a sticky surface, faster soiling, and product migration into the fibers. In the long term, leather treated in this way can become even more unstable, brittle, and difficult to restore. This is why preventative conservation should take precedence over "nourishing" treatments, which are often ineffective and potentially harmful.
Therefore, instead of conditioning book leathers, it is preferable to adopt a conservation approach based on environmental control, limiting handling, and observing the binding's actual condition. In most cases, old leather does not need conditioning, but rather protection, stabilization, and proper storage.
Do not expose your documents and books to the sun!
Direct exposure to sunlight has a very harmful physical and chemical impact on paper documents and parchment, and should be avoided as much as possible. Sunlight, particularly ultraviolet rays, acts as a true agent of degradation: it triggers photochemical reactions within the cellulose fibers of paper or the surface of parchment, irreversibly weakening the material. In the long term, the support becomes more brittle, more opaque, or yellowed, and its structure can even disintegrate in certain heavily exposed areas.
On a physical level, direct sunlight can also cause a local increase in temperature and rapidly alter the moisture balance of the material. This accumulated heat, combined with photodegradation, accelerates the aging of paper and parchment, resulting in creases, shrinkage, warping, or structural deformations. Furthermore, areas directly exposed to the sun often exhibit differences in color or fragility compared to areas that remained in the shade, creating visible contrasts and uneven deterioration of the artwork.
It is therefore essential not to hang artworks, paper documents, parchments, or books directly facing the sun on a wall exposed to direct sunlight, and never to leave a book outside in the sun, even for a short time. Even a few hours of sunlight per day, repeated over the years, is enough to cause discoloration, irreversible yellowing, and progressive weakening of the materials. To preserve their integrity, it is best to hang them in more stable locations, use UV-filtering glazing, or minimize the exposure time of sensitive artworks to natural light.
Paperback book left in the sun with a protective cover on the left side
Photograph taken by © Carole Jeanneret
Do not scan your documents and books!
Avoid scanning your valuable documents; photography is preferable. The scanner's intense light and the pressure of the glass can damage documents and bindings. Photography allows you to document the object without physically altering it.
Let's work together
If you are interested in our conservation services, you can get in touch via the form below or visit us in store at 24 rue de Lausanne in Fribourg.