looking after leather bound books.

Interesting request in my inbox this week asking for help on looking after leather bound books. There is an interesting site out there, http://www.tomfolio.com/CollectingInfo/caringforbooks.asp which gives out some good information. One thing it doesn't advise against, though, when talking about bookmarks, is not to use your breakfast rasher! Don't laugh! Talk to any Public Librarian, it does happen!

The article does say that current thinking advises agaist using leather preservatives for the preservation of leather bound books. Instead it advises using a plastic cover in the short term but not to store your books in plastic as they need to breathe. They are, therefore, suggesting that preservation looks after itself. I will take issue with the author on this point. I have seen leather that hasn't been preserved and it dries out and crumbles.

Leather does need feeding and books are no different. Any difference comes in handling. The books must be handled carefully. Keep any preservative away from the paper and use it only on the leather. Use it very very sparingly. All this, though is just common sense.

I recommend Heritage leathercare. As I say, use it very very sparingly - your books should not be left be left greasy! In fact, after use, you should be able to wipe over the surface with a soft cloth and not have any marks on it.

Heritage Leathercare is available online, visit http://www.heritagepolish.com/shop/heritage-leathercare/cat_4.html