Clamshell Tray Cases
Project Duration: 40 hours
Provenance: The Weld Grimke Collection consists is a valuable collection to the Clements Library and a frequently used source of material by scholars. Its contents consists of individual papers, journals, and multiple valuable bibles with high historical provenance. Two of the bibles were in need of custom enclosures that complemented their value. Custom lined tray cases were created to ensure the items safety and pay tribute to the item’s importance.
Condition:
The two bibles are both leather bound with relatively thin pages. Leather is not brittle but is heavily abraded from use and handling by both Grimke family and scholars. The bible is annotated with handwritten notes throughout, as it was a personal bible of the sisters.
Treatment:
Physical treatments were not performed on the bibles as they were in stable condition. Preventative conservation was performed in the form of creating custom clamshell tray cases for longterm, safe storage of the items.
Bibles were each measured and their dimensions noted. Binder board was cut to size and assembled. A pH neutral PVA was used to attach the boards together and they were clamped to dry correctly without warping. Book cloth was measured and then applied to the board. A matching inner lining also applied afterward. Archival paper folders were made to further protect the bibles.
Each tray case was properly labeled to reflect its contents.Physical treatments were not performed on the bibles as they were in stable condition. Preventative conservation was performed in the form of creating custom clamshell tray cases for longterm, safe storage of the items.