Classification of literature on bookbinding and restoration is a pressing modern problem. Changes in the methods of production, conservation and restoration of bookbinding in the 20th century have led to the fact that some literature is now outdated, some is partially outdated, and some is quite modern. To understand the question of what is already considered historical sources, what is partially outdated, and what is modern is the purpose of this material.
Chronological aspect
Each type of restoration of an object has a type of art from which the restoration historically originates. European restoration of painting has its origins in icon painting and painting by old masters. Restoration of sculpture is directly related to sculpture. Restoration of metal is related to jewelry and blacksmithing, chasing, forging, casting. Restoration of graphics is related to the art of graphics. And restoration of books is related to bookbinding.
Therefore, restoration was initially carried out by artists or artisans who had reached the heights of mastery in creating new objects of culture and art. For example, it is known that Michelangelo restored antique statues. And medieval icon painters were engaged in the conservation and restoration of frescoes and icons.
Since the artist also performed the function of a restorer, the materials for creating a new object and restoring an old one were the same. Painters painted over the losses on objects with the same paints that they used to paint new works. Sculptors recreated the lost parts with the same materials that made new sculptures. And bookbinders resewed blocks of old books, made bindings and used the same glue as for new books. This approach to the use of materials and technologies is called traditional.
A modern conservator-restorer is required to ensure that the service life of a book after his work is at least 50 years. Thus, even when restoring Russian and Soviet books, the use of modern and earlier (20th century) methods and materials from printing and bookbinding is impossible. Today, historical methods and materials from the 19th century are partially used in bookbinding restoration, which are close to the minimum requirements for conservation-restoration in terms of reversibility and service life. Therefore, the starting point when book conservation-restoration began to develop separately from printing and bookbinding must be recognized as the second half of the 19th century.
