19th CENTURY BIBLES

Family Bibles were a common household item especially during the 19th century. It was a place to record important family historical events including marriages, births and deaths. It was the centerpiece of their lives. These heirloom Bibles are considered priceless to a family and we want to ensure when we restore them, they will last several generations to come. This is why we take our time and special care when restoring your cherished Bible.

Unfortunately when Family Bibles get passed down they are often stored in harsh environments including the basement, garage, or attic. Without proper storage, they often degrade over time. This includes leather rot, mold growth, bug damage, covers becoming detached, and page damage.

It is also important to take into consideration the time period the Bibles were being published. The industrial revolution was underway and mass production was finding it’s places in all manufactured products. The hand binding process was being replaced with machines to conserve on time and money. In addition, materials were being replaced with cheaper products. Cotton linen rag paper was substituted with wood pulp paper and the leather covers were thinned and harshly tanned. Both are very acidic and add to the deterioration of the Bibles.

When we receive Bibles in poor condition we start by assessing the leather covers. Does it show leather rot? Is there wear along the edges and corners of the Bible? Is the leather brittle and able to be salvaged? We next need to check the sewing of the textblock. Is it still intact or are sections falling out? Next we look for ripped or worn pages. After carefully reviewing the condition of the Bible, we then set out to fully restore it into a useable historical piece.

It is recommended to our clients after receiving their restored Bible to condition the leather once a year. My recommendation is Marney’s sold at J Hewitts & Sons in England. You can also find book leather conditioner at Talasonline.com. Clients often want to display their fully restored Family Bible out in the open but we suggest displaying it only when guests are over to the house. Otherwise, it should be kept out of sunlight and in a temperature controlled area of the house (not basement or attic) and in an acid free box. This will ensure the longevity of preservation.

We offer free estimates and would be happy to assess the needs of your Family Bible. Our goal is to protect the original integrity of the antique aesthetic and value, all while strengthening it. We utilize modern science archival materials to guarantee your book or documents will withstand the age of time. We ensure nothing but the highest standards when we work with your Family Bible.