The Craft of Making & Repair: CONSERVATION AT THE COLLEGE OF ARMS LIBRARY.

The article focuses on the conservation practices at the College of Arms Library in London, the official heraldic authority for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and much of the Commonwealth. It details the traditional craft skills involved in creating and preserving manuscript records such as Letters Patent and pedigree volumes, emphasizing the continued use of analogue methods alongside emerging digital technologies. The conservation department uniquely combines the making of new manuscript volumes with the repair and preservation of historic records, employing specialized techniques like double cord packed sewing, use of linen sewing thread, and aero linen textile for board reattachment to maintain structural integrity and functionality. The article highlights challenges such as damage from adhesive penetration, restrictive sewing methods, and wear from centuries of use, advocating for bespoke, sustainable repair solutions that respect the original materials and formats.