Cleaning a tiny 500-year-old embroidered book | In the Conservation Studio | British Library

'You've got to make friends with the items before you can actually work on them.'
Watch our Textile Conservator Liz Rose work on a fascinatingly intricate embroidered book cover from the 16th century, preserving it for future use.
Find out more about our conservation: www.bl.uk/conservation
Your support makes this possible: bl.uk/support

[@juliarabbitts1595]

A wonderful film, thank you 🙏

[@525Lines]

I sewed an 1870s US flag against a backing of crepeline silk to keep it from falling apart and to support it when it's displayed and handled. Just me and some etymologist pins. Very calming work.

[@momosaku16]

Entomology pins?

[@StacyHaponik]

@@momosaku16pins for mounting insects. They're also used for wicked fine fabrics.

[@missworm]

170 million items? Well, someone's not going home this weekend...