Abstract

n 1931, a long-term test on the deterioration of book-binding leathers was started by the British Leather Manufacturers’ Research Association, in cooperation with the British Museum Library and the National Library of Wales. The bindings were examined at intervals and reports were produced on their condition. This paper summarizes the reports of R. F. Innes and others up to 1965, which were previously published with limited circulation. Attention is given to some aspects of deterioration observed in bindings kept in the British Museum Library and to suggested mechanisms for the breakdown of leathers in industrial atmospheres. Comparisons are made between the behaviour of different types of tanned leathers, especially noting that chrome-tanned bindings have remained apparently undamaged for over thirty years. A limited examination of some bindings recently withdrawn from the series in London has been carried out, and some comments on the results are included. The report does not duplicate previously published literature reviews on this topic.