A Report on our meeting held on 2nd March 2026

The Art of Conservation, Kat Saunt, East Riding Archives

Some of the historical archives received at the Champney Treasure House in Beverley need conservation work. That is Kat Saunt’s job at the East Riding Archives.  She discussed some problems and remedies using examples.

In her work she deals with paper, parchment, velum, and fabrics.  She explained her aim is to stabilise the damage caused over time, but not to restore to original condition.

Kat showed how indelible iron gall ink, dominant for centuries, will corrode over time leaving a document looking like lace. She said pre 1850 rag paper lasted longer than later wood pulp paper though modern paper is better.

Sometimes deterioration is so bad you are left with a jigsaw puzzle.   Kat showed how she fixes the pieces to a backing material that is weaker than the original so the original will not be damaged if badly handled.

Kat ended with some tips for home document preservation. Keep cool, dry and dark. Label things, but only with pencil and not ink. Don’t seal to allow gases can escape and don’t use metal fixings that will corrode.  She gave one last plea.  Don’t repair with Sellotape.

The vote of thanks was given by Hannah Stamp.