Conservation
Conservation is the term used to describe all actions taken by a conservator to slow down deterioration and prolong the life of an object by physical intervention.
This can be as basic as repairing a tear on a page or as complicated as replacing a badly damaged leather binding or scroll lining.
Restoration is used to describe the treatment of an object in order to return it aesthetically to as close a state as its original as possible. This is generally a step that follows conservation.
The terms are often treated as interchangeable, but are distinctly different.
The Library's conservation laboratory is located in the Museum's main building. A paper conservator currently manages the laboratory, however, it was designed as a multidiscipline facility.
Conservation policy
A policy of minimal intervention is applied to all conservation treatments carried out at the Library. All repairs are clearly visible in order to retain historical integrity.
Only researched and accepted methods and reversible techniques are used, and all treatments are carefully documented and photographed.
Chester Beatty based his collecting policy on 'Quality, quality, always the quality', and he frequently refused to purchase items on grounds of poor condition.
The majority of the objects in the collections are in good condition.
However, they are all vulnerable to the natural ageing process.
Examination and documentation
Detailed examination is essential to help the conservator assess the overall condition of an object, in order to decide if treatment is necessary and what form it should take.
All items are carefully examined in natural daylight, often with the aid of a magnifying glass or microscope, to help identify damage or potential problems.
Raking light is used to examine the surface of an object, while light transmitted through a light box can help to identify any flaws in paper or parchment.
It may also be necessary to carry out more detailed analysis to identify the cause of damage and an appropriate treatment.
Written reports are used to detail condition and to record the treatment methods and materials used. It is vital that any treatment carried out is carefully recorded so that it can be referred to over time. Photography, drawings and tracings are used to visually document the object before, during and after treatment.
Surveys are designed to assess the condition of specific parts of a collection and used by the conservator and curator to guide preservation policy by highlighting and quantifying particular problems.