Map Mogul is pleased to introduce the services of an independent qualified conservator of paper and books.

Wojtek Boden is a graduate of West Dean College where he gained the following qualifications:

• MA in Conservation Studies
• Post-graduate Diploma in Conservation-Restoration of Books and Library Materials (with distinction)
• Graduate Diploma in Conservation-Restoration of Books and Library Materials (with distinction)

Key Conservation Skills

Wojtek brings an ethical approach to conservation assessment and treatment. He has a sound knowledge of current book and paper conservation practices and techniques and is knowledgeable in book and paper preservation methods and skilled in paper, book, leather, parchment and vellum conservation.

Relevant Conservation Experience

Paper conservation: Experienced in dry cleaning, aqueous treatment, stain reduction/removal, mold and stain treatment, de-acidification and buffering, sizing, infill and edge repair and colouring. Experienced in the conservation of maps and engravings.

Book conservation: Experienced in pulling text blocks, dry cleaning, aqueous treatment, mold and stain treatment, de-acidification and buffering, sizing, infill and edge repair of text block and boards, spine guarding, sewing and endband repair, resewing, fore-edge realignment, endpaper colour matching, spine and board repair, board reattachment, as well as leather, cloth and paper rebacking. Experienced in conservation of the following binding styles- Coptic, Carolingian, Romanesque, Gothic, limp bindings and case-bindings.

Leather, parchment and vellum conservation: Experienced in consolidation of leather damaged by 'red rot', mold and stain treatment, colour matched leather dyeing and repair. Experienced in mold and stain treatment, dry cleaning, sizing, humidification and flattening, infill and edge repair of parchment and vellum.

Bookbinding: Experienced in the following binding styles - Coptic, Carolingian, Romanesque and Gothic. Experienced in stiff and limp vellum bindings and case-bindings. Experienced in sewing, spine lining, rounding and backing, edge ploughing, edge gilding, endband sewing, board attachment, binding in leather, cloth or paper and case-binding.

Wojtek developed his practical skills and experience by work on historical books and archival materials from West Dean House, Chichester Cathedral Library, The Admiralty Library, and The National Archives, London, as well as from private collectors.

If you require a quote for conservation work you should contact Wojtek directly via email at: wojtek@nacl.orangehome.co.uk

West Dean College

West Dean College was founded in 1971 by Edward James, patron of the surrealist artists Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte. It has an international reputation as a specialist centre of excellence in the development of advanced practical and research skills in the field of arts and craft and consistently attracts students from all parts of the world.

The college's specialist subject areas include contemporary painting and sculpture, the conservation and restoration of books, ceramics, clocks, furniture, fine metals and tapestry, as well as the making and restoration of early stringed musical instruments.