How do I keep the back cover of old Bible?

[nanny jan]

Thanks to a fellow RootsChatter I now have the back cover of an old Bible, first entry is 1857.

It is smaller than my iPad so, fingers crossed, it can be preserved. Should I put it in a frame or just use Acid Free paper to wrap it?

Thanks for any advice/suggestions. 

[jess5athome]

I wonder if it would be possible to "Laminate" it? 

Frank.

[nanny jan]

I’d be concerned about the leather but have no idea.

[David Nicoll]

Hi,

   I wouldn’t laminate it. I think that acid free paper is the best bet, I have seen envelopes which might be the best bet. Exposure to light is likely to deteriorate it so a frame is perhaps not the best.
   If you want to display, I would suggest a good digital photograph and printed on good paper, perhaps professionally.
   Ideas change! Prompted by your question, I looked at how to look preserve leather, the seems to be some thought now to just box and leave. Though there are dressings which are use by some libraries, obviously a bit of a minefield!

[jess5athome]

Hi,

   ................................... obviously a bit of a minefield!
[/quote

Very true, there seems to be lots of different ideas on the internet, perhaps look to see if there are any professional Book Binders in your area who could offer sound advice.

Frank.

[mckha489]

Look up a conservation supply company.
They have all sorts of things.
At the archives I volunteer at, that sort of thing would be put into an acid free box.  They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. Plenty of shallow ones.

Definitely DO NOT laminate.

[AlanBoyd]

Would silica gel be included to restrict fungal growth?

[nanny jan]

I will research a conservation supply company to see what they can offer.

I hope to be moving this year so want to get it protected before that happens.

[nanny jan]

I have emailed photos of the cover and the writing to a conservation officer at Dorset History Centre for her advice. 

Hope she has some good, but not too complex, ideas!