Elena Moretti
"Elena documents the mechanical precision required for structural restoration, specializing in the use of micro-spatulas and custom-fabricated presses. She contributes detailed guides on the meticulous process of re-sewing signatures onto historically accurate linen cords."
Latest from Elena
A look at how experts in different fields find hidden history in old surfaces, from bone structures to the tiny stains on ancient parchment.
A friendly look at how watchmakers, furniture experts, and scientists are saving history, and what it means for our work with 17th-century bindings.
Go inside the conservator's studio to see the traditional tools and techniques used to repair fragile 17th-century books.
Discover the fascinating science behind saving 400-year-old vellum books using modern chemistry and ancient techniques.
A look at how different crafts—from metalwork to mapmaking—use science to save history and how it relates to vellum restoration.
Discover the specialized tools and delicate chemistry used by master bookbinders to repair 400-year-old vellum bindings.
Ever wonder why some 400-year-old books look great while others crumble? It comes down to the science of animal skin and ancient glues. We explore how experts save 17th-century vellum bindings.
Discover how material science and ancient techniques come together to save 17th-century vellum books from turning to dust.
Explore the fascinating material science behind 17th-century book restoration, from the warping of vellum skins to the chemistry of modern synthetic adhesives.
Old books are chemically eating themselves. Learn how restorers use alkaline baths, Japanese tissue, and specialized resins to stop acid from destroying 17th-century manuscripts.
Restoring 17th-century vellum books is a high-stakes mix of chemistry and old-world craft. Learn how experts use modern science to save ancient bindings from turning to dust.
Discover how modern restorers use ancient tools like bone folders and beeswax to save 400-year-old vellum books from crumbling into dust.
A mentor's guide to this week's best reads on ink chemistry, material history, and the tools used to study the past.
Old books are chemical puzzles. Learn how conservators use magnesium bicarbonate and special presses to stop acid from destroying 17th-century volumes.
Vellum isn't just a material; it's a living part of history. Learn how conservators use patience, humidity, and ancient bone tools to tame 400-year-old animal skin bindings.
Old books are falling apart because of the very glue that holds them together. Learn how modern science and ancient tools are teaming up to save 17th-century treasures from turning to dust.
Old glue is the enemy of ancient books. Discover how restorers use modern chemistry and beeswaxed thread to keep 17th-century bindings from falling apart.
Restoring 17th-century vellum books is a mix of surgery and chemistry. Learn how experts use bone folders and chemical baths to save ancient skins.
Discover why old-school tools like beeswaxed linen thread and bone folders are the secret weapons in the high-tech world of 17th-century book restoration.
Grab a coffee and join our weekly digest. This time, we look at how tiny seeds, old steel, and detective work help us understand the historical objects we love to restore.
