‘The Triumph of Steam’ – continued…

Hello!

Just a brief update on The Triumph of Steam. Last week, we cased it back in (put the cover back on) and worked on the spine. We’ve used some extremely soft calf leather, which has come up really well. It was (fortunately) also quite cooperative to work with, given how complex this project has been. Matt and I are very pleased with the results.

Now a decision has to be made about the spine. Do we put the old spine facing back over the new leather, or do we work with the new leather instead? In terms of restoration, the first choice would retain more of the original material. However, the book will look much smarter without it. Decisions, decisions. Something to think on over Christmas and before our next session.

As you can see, it is extremely worn. Replace, or not?

Still some work to be done!

The next stage will be to finish replacing the old end papers and to restore the wear on the cover. We can’t replace the gold work, but we can bring the blue back. A lovely book, that’s going to going to have a new lease of life I think!

TTFN!

Author: janeflynnsenseandsentimentality

I am an independent researcher and writer affiliated to The University of Derby, UK. I was awarded a PhD in 2016 for my thesis: 'Sense and Sentimentality: The Soldier-Horse Relationship in the Great War'. View all posts by janeflynnsenseandsentimentality