HSLL European Paper Reference Collection

Type Collection

Summary Description: The collection consists of approximately 700 European paper samples, including paper-based artefacts produced primarily between 1850 and 1990, which are prone to degradation due to their acidic nature. It is representative of the types of paper usually found in European libraries, archives, galleries and museums in this era. The collection consists of single sheets or papers, extracted from books, acquired from bookstores, second-hand shops or through donations. The papers are well-documented and characterised for several chemical and physical properties. The majority were collected in the EU 5th Framework Project SurveNIR and have been kept in cold conditions since characterisation.

Extent

Object type: Book
Document
Drawing
Letter
Manuscript fragment
Newspaper
Record
Reference material
Sample

Material type: Acidic Compound
Adhesive
Cellulose
Dye
Fibre
Ink
Lignin
Paper

Statement of Significance: The collection provides a comprehensive opportunity to understand the chemical and physical properties of European paper, especially those produced from the 18th century onwards. It mirrors the variability in paper composition typical of Western paper-based collections. It was collected solely for the purpose of scientific research, including material analysis. This collection is a valuable resource for conservation scientists, archivists, and curators working to preserve European paper-based artefacts in libraries, archives, and museums. The samples have been analysed using various analytical methods and both the samples and the associated data are available for further research. The collection is stored in stable, cold storage conditions. The samples are documented including physical measurements, observations and images, all associated with unique Sample IDs and stored within a digital catalogue.

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, archivists, historians, and researchers involved in cultural heritage research.

Keywords: Acidic paper
Archival Science
Archives
Cellulose
Conservation
Conservation Science
Documentation
Fibre analysis
Historical ink
Library
Manuscript
Paper-based artefact
Papermaking
Preventive conservation
Reference collection
Restoration

Finding aids: The collection, along with the analytical techniques employed, is comprehensively described in an open-access publication (https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ac070392t) and the project website (https://www.science4heritage.org/survenir/collection)

External link

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