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Caring for Your Records

Calico Book Wrap

A calico book wrap is an alternative to the acid-free manila type. It looks more home made and bulky, but is just as effective for preventing dust and light damage. It is also more adaptable for unevenly shaped books, such as volumes with locks or raised decoration.

  • Wash unbleached Calico in hot water with non-biological washing powder to remove starch.
  • Cut Calico to shape with four flaps to fit your book, each flap should cover the whole book Sew strips of Velcro fastening as indicated, which will eventually join together when the cover is folded.

Devon Records office - Stopping the Rot - Calico Book Wrap 'Soft' velcro strip
Devon Records office - Stopping the Rot - Calico Book Wrap  2Hook side of Velcro stitched to underside.

  • With the Book in place, fold up bottom flap, then the side flaps and finally fold down the top flap to find the position for the hook side of the Velcro strip to be attached to. When wrapping book, try to make the cover as snug as possible.
  • Cotton tape may be used attached to one of the flaps, instead of Velcro.
  • Indelible laundry marker may be used to label the calico. Iron, to ‘fix’ it.

Conservation Binding Boxes for Volumes

Boxes can be specially made for the storage of fine bindings and archive volumes. They are suitable for heavy books and badly deteriorated volumes that need extra support and protection. This can be an economic alternative to re-binding. They can be made to order by specialist box manufacturers. G. Ryder & Co. are happy to quote prices for individual items.

G. Ryder & Co. Ltd Denbigh Road, Bletchley, Milton Keynes, MK1 1DG.

Tel: 01908 375524 Fax: 01908 373658

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