HSLL Historic Parchment Reference Collection

Type Collection

Summary Description: A collection of approximately 90 historic parchment samples was gathered from various commercial sources for the purpose of scientific research. These samples represent documents, bookbinding fragments, and six further samples. Originating from the 15th to 20th century, the collection includes objects of varying ages, states of degradation, manufacture methods, environmental histories and uses. The majority of the samples are of British, French and Italian origin. Most samples contain iron gall ink inscriptions while some have carbon-based and other inks. The samples are documented, including physical measurements, observations and images, all associated with unique Sample IDs and stored within a digital catalogue.

Extent

Object type: Book
Bookbinding parchment fragment
Document
Manuscript fragment
Reference material
Sample

Geographic Distribution: France, Italy and United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

Statement of Significance: The collection consists of documents and bookbinding fragments acquired solely for the purpose of scientific study, including material analysis. These genuine and historic objects can broaden the scientific understanding of the material history and manufacture of parchments. The collection represents a wide variability in ages, states of degradation, manufacturing methods, environmental histories and uses throughout history. The samples have been analysed using various analytical methods and both the samples and the associated data are available for further research endeavours. Following the analyses, the collection is stored in stable storage conditions. A digitised catalogue and a database containing all the measurements and related metadata are available for reference and research purposes.

Access requirements: The collection can be accessed by contacting the person in charge or the HSLL laboratory manager. Access to the collection is evaluated on a case-by-case basis taking into account the validity of the scientific research question and its feasibility. In dealing with destructive sampling requests we adhere to the ICON Ethical Sampling guidance.

Type of users: Professionals, cultural heritage organizations, conservators, and researchers involved in cultural heritage research.

Keywords: Archives
Conservation
Conservation Science
Documentation
Historical ink
Ink manufacture
Library
Manuscript
Non-destructive technique
Parchment making
Reference collection

Finding aids: The collection, along with the analytical techniques employed, is comprehensively described in an open-access publication (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1179/2047058413Y.0000000100).

External link

Name of the web site: Heritage Science Laboratory Ljubljana: Reference Historic Material Collections