Saving the treasures: The ambitious book restoration project in the Melk Abbey

Saving the treasures: The ambitious book restoration project in the Melk Abbey

In the Melk Abbey, an ambitious undertaking is started, which deals with the restoration of historical books. The need to act is great, because books from the 12th and 13th centuries are often badly damaged and urgently need attention. The goal of the project, which is to extend over the next ten to eleven years, is the complete mapping, cleaning and possibly restoration of all books in the collection.

The restorer Bettina Dräxler, who took responsibility for this mammoth project in 2022, explains that she received support from four committed students. Together they are employed every year with cleaning and damage mapping of around 10,000 books. These books are divided into three categories: urgent, in the medium term and long -term, which guarantees a structured approach to the restoration.

challenges of book restoration

"Most historical books have any damage, but many of them are negligible," said Dräxler. This assessment is based on the fact that the Melk Abbey always paid attention to a good storage of its books, thanks to which many copies have remained in very good condition. Nevertheless, the reality is often different: numerous books were donated and come from less well -preserved libraries, which leads to a variety of damage.

Dräxler emphasizes that she has never come across a book in her professional career that could no longer be saved. Historical volumes can usually be restored as long as measures are taken in good time. The restoration includes stabilizing decaying book backs, replacing damaged pages and the correction of mold formation. "The working hours increase particularly if the damage in the book block, i.e. in the sides, is available," explains Rutana Calugarescu, an employee of Dräxler.

Appropriate in Melk Abbey are currently being restored in Abbey Melk, which makes the long -term and careful work that is necessary to preserve these cultural treasures. This initiative ensures that the valuable heir is preserved for future generations. Further information is available in an article on www.noen.at .