Analysis of the Book of Kells

Analysis of the Book of Kells

As part of a Long Room Hub research project, the Preservation and Conservation Department, in
collaboration with the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library and the School of Physics, has been
investigating the materials used for the Book of Kells. The project aims to identify the pigments and
binding media, as well as their source of supply, and also to evaluate the degree of change of the
materials in relation to the stability of the manuscript and to the original intent of the creators. Due to
the importance of the manuscript all methods of examination must be non-destructive.
The first investigations were carried out using micro-Raman spectroscopy with results presented at the
BA Festival of Science 2005, and in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy in 2009.
For the study a HORIBA Jobin Yvon labRAM HR was fitted with remote probe superheads with two
separate laser wavelengths (632.8nm HeNe and 532 nm Nd:YAG). With this technique some of the
predominant pigments used on the more richly decorated folios have been confirmed. The results
highlight the sophisticated use of a restricted palette of organic and mineral pigments. These have been
applied with great creativity, as pure colour, and as simple mixtures. Variety has been achieved though
considered juxtaposition and simple layering.
Pigments identified include:
blue (indigo), red-orange (red lead), yellow (orpiment), green (indigo and orpiment; verdigris), black
(carbon and iron gall ink), and white (gypsum).

Analysis of the Book of Durrow

Undertaken using the Long Room Hub Initiative Fund, this research includes the technical examination
of three of the Librarys key early medieval manuscripts, The Book of Durrow (c. 700AD), The Book of
Armagh (807AD), and Codex Usserianus Primus (dated to 7th century, but possibly 5th century); using
micro-Raman spectroscopy, XRF and multi-spectral imaging.
The focus of the study is on identifying the pigments used for decoration and inks, using non-destructive
techniques available through the Preservation and Conservation Department of the Library.
The proposed study of these manuscripts will aim to build on recent significant results achieved for the
Book of Kells, by providing new information about manuscripts produced during the period 600-800
AD.
This is a collaborative project, undertaken with the Manuscripts and Archives Research Library and the
School of Physics. The researchers aim to look at similarity in the materials used in the production of
the manuscripts and will seek to address questions around the sources of supply and to re-address
questions around features which distinguish Irish-produced manuscripts. The results of the analyses will
provide considerable new information on the materials used during the Dark Ages.
The first phase of the analysis will begin in October 2009

Study of Old Library Dust (SOLD)

Study of Old Library Dust

This project is being carried out in collaboration with the Department of Geology. It focuses on
investigations into dust and VOC levels in the Old Library, which forms part of a multi-faceted study of
the building, the collections, and the environment.
The Library at Trinity College (now termed the Old Library) was built between 1712 and 1732. It
retains its original function as a library and a research space but also houses office space, an exhibition
space and a retail area. In the past fifteen years, visitor numbers have increased to over 500,000 per
annum, and their impact and that of the modern urban environment is being assessed through the study
of the indoor environment.
The high numbers of visitors to the Old Library and urban situation of Trinity College Dublin create
significant environmental pressure on the storage conditions with the 277 year-old building.
The results of the first phase of the SOLD investigation show that high accumulations of dust are
prevalent on the collection of early printed books and that sources are derived from both inside and
outside the Building. The rate of accumulation of new dust is being measured by loss of gloss from
standard microscope slides, and data from this ongoing research will be used in the development of a
preservation plan for the Building.
The SOLD project aims to:

Assess the existing dust in terms of type, source, location

Monitor the type, source, accumulation rate and distribution of incoming dust
Identify interactions of the sources of pollutants with the collection
Provide a model of dust accumulation from which effective environmental management can be
developed
Increase the research output of TCD in an area of considerable international interest
Enable full participation in collaborative research through COST Action D42

CMST Action D42

Chemical Interactions between Cultural
Artefacts and Indoor Environment (EnviArt)
(End date: October 2010)
The description of the state-of-the-art showed that research on the chemical interactions between
cultural artefacts and the indoor environment and standardisation is performed already at the
international level, but still needs serious efforts for coordination. Only a close multidisciplinary
cooperation will ensure that our current collection of cultural artefacts will be accessible for future
generations.
The main objective of the Action is to explore chemical interactions between cultural artefacts and
typical indoor environmental conditions through field studies and laboratory experiments and to
translate the results into preventive conservation practice.
In more detail the technical objectives are to:
contribute to a better understanding of natural ageing of historic materials particularly due to the
indoor environment;

 assess the chemical degradation rates connected to defined environmental conditions with laboratory
experiments;
investigate the chemical interaction of materials with typical indoor pollutants;
monitor conditions in museums, archives and libraries as to the chemical composition of the indoor air
and the air corrosivity parameters;
disseminate knowledge on the potential damage of chemical and physical parameters in the indoor
environment;
understand the chemical composition of the indoor environment in relation to the chemical interactions
of the environment and the artefact
provide a platform between chemical scientists in the field of conservation research and other scientist
and workers such as collection keepers, museum curators and engineers, aiming to improve best practice
in preventive conservation;
contribute to the standardisation of methods in conservation such as the harmonisation of chemical
analyses, measures and prevention in order to better protect our movable cultural heritage against
continuous deterioration by the indoor environment.
The Action will improve the multidisciplinary collaboration between key players and will thus improve
preventive conservation practices in museums, archives, libraries and also increase the knowledge in the
field of chemical deterioration of historical artefacts by the indoor environment. Furthermore, young
researchers will benefit, as they will have the opportunity to experience international cooperation and
participate in student exchanges and training schools. Because of this COST Action, activities on prenormative work in cultural heritage will be enhanced.
The outcome of this Action will:
provide a better knowledge of the chemical interactions between the indoor environment and artefacts;
create possibilities for exchange of knowledge between chemists and materials scientists working in
the field of preventive conservation with museum staff and decision makers;
provide arguments necessary for the discussion with governmental organisations and the object owners
to set higher priorities on funding of preventive conservation;
contribute to establishing guidelines for indoor air quality in museums, archives and libraries;
help to set priorities for investments in collections on display and for the concept of risk assessment in
general.

Publications

2010 | Action Number: D42

Basic Environmental Mechanisms Affecting Cultural Heritage: Understanding
deterioration mechanisms for conservation purposes

Author(s): D. Camuffo, V. Fassina and J. Havermans (eds)

Publisher(s): Nardini Editore
http://www.nardinieditore.it/scheda.asp?Id=963
ISBN: 978-88-404-4334-8

For ethical reasons, the conservation of cultural heritage is a duty for all nations. Slowly, decision
makers are beginning to understand that caring about cultural heritage and especially about museums,
library and archival collections is a valuable long-term investment for their economy and in the interest
of their citizens. The accessibility of movable heritage depends not only on its direct conservation but
also on preventive conservation because the quality of the indoor environment is crucial for the
preservation of a collection. Sensitive materials, displayed in an aggressive environment may suffer
from chemical attack of pollutants, leading to irreversible damage after only a few weeks of
inappropriate exposure.
The interpretation of results on the impact of pollutants on the degradation of artifacts and consequently,
any appropriate measure to prevent damage, requires close collaboration between multidisciplinary key
players: chemist concerned with environmental effects and material degradation, physicists concerned
with microclimate and physical deterioration mechanism, conservators, conservation scientist, art
historians, curators, environmental engineers, show case manufacturers, and even politicians and
decision makers concerned with international standards.

dentical Books Project

Identical Books Project

In 2005 the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation awarded a grant to the British Library, to study the
deterioration of paper and books in libraries, under the theme the Identical Book Project (IBP).
The project was lead by the British Library in partnership with the National Archives and the National
Archives of Scotland, and the UK Legal Deposit Libraries: - the Bodleian Library at Oxford University,
Cambridge University Library, National Library of Scotland, National Library of Wales and Trinity
College Dublin.
The aim of the projects was to understand how real-time aging - the environment and patterns of use affect the condition of books, may be used for lifetime predictions. To achieve this, each participating
Institution examined approximately 400 identical books in each of their collections, using assessment
tools which included the National Preservation Office (NPO) Preservation Assessment Survey (PAS),
colour measurements using a Konica colour spectrometer, and pH measurements using micro-sampling
techniques and a miniature pH probe. Fibre analysis of molecular weight, pH and fibre furnish of the
paper was completed by labs at UCL London, and by Morana in Slovenia.
Further stages of the project included the measurement of volatile organic compounds (VOC) given off
by books using using SPME fibres and elastomer strips, with analysis by the University of Strathclyde;
and the analysis of SO2 levels in books held by BL and NLW books, along with the use of SurveNIR, a
tool developed to determine the condition of paper.
Challenges included:

Finding identical books due to the vagaries of cataloguing systems, editions, and production
materials
Being able to define the environmental history for the IBs over 100 years

The project is now moving into a new phase, with support provided by the UK Legal Deposit Libraries.
Conservators at the six libraries will collaborate over the next five years on methods to fully document
the continued use of the IBs and to record their storage environments. The books will be re-examined at
intervals, to provide further information on the life-cycle of books.

Old Library Preservation Project

Old Library Preservation Project

The Old Library is one of Ireland and Trinity College Dublins most important buildings, and is the
repository for the Librarys treasures, including medieval Irish Manuscripts such as the Book of Kells.
It functions as a storage area, a display venue, and a research facility for early printed books,
manuscripts and college archives. It is also open to the public seven days per week, and is one of the
most popular visitor attractions in the country, as well as one of the great research libraries of the world.
Due to the value and the condition of the collections in the Old Library, the Preservation and
Conservation Department has focused on its needs, and a large proportion of staff time is given to
activities concerning the heritage collections housed in the building.
In the past few years the Department has been investigating a number of problems including high
particulate pollution levels, and other environmental hazards in the Old Library, which are seriously
compromising the preservation of the collections. The department is collaborating with science
departments in College on an analysis of the pollution - its content, sources, and levels. For further
information view Study of Old Library Dust.
The Library has recently established a number of strategic initiatives to look at various elements of the
preservation of the Old Library Building, and the Old library collections, including:

A preservation assessment survey of collections

A full structural survey of the Old Library to determine the condition of the building and to
identify weaknesses and hazards
A full building performance review to determine the status of all internal services, and the
environmental conditions

A future plan for improved exhibitions and Visitor services, and for improved facilities for
researchers and staff
A plan for repair, remediation and preservation based on the outcome of the structure and
performance review, to provide an improved environment for long-term storage and access to the
collection

The investigations have been supported by funding grants from the Heritage Council, and from the
Getty Foundation.

Save the Treasures of the Long Room

Save the Treasures of the Long Room

Since 2004, there has been a continuously running preservation project in the Old Library known as
Save the Treasures of the Long Room.
The aim of the project is to help address some of the challenges and problems affecting the early printed
books in the Long Room. These are caused by their age (spanning six centuries) and their materials, as
well as the effects of the environment in building.
The work is carried out by teams of Preservation Assistants, who are trained and supervised by a
Conservator. The teams comprise full time staff, employed on one-year contracts. Candidates come
from all over the world.and a variety of backgrounds including Library and Archive Studies,
Archaeology, History of Art, History and Conservation.
The tasks carried out include:

The removal of dirt from books and shelves with the use of vacuum cleaners fitted with HEPA
(High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters, and low-pressure vacuum tables
The application of a leather consolidant (Klucel G) to degraded leather
Minor in-situ stabilising repairs, including the consolidation of delaminated leather, and hingingon of detached spine pieces
Tying-up detached boards with unbleached cotton tape.
The fabrication of custom-made enclosures for fragile items.
Recording the condition, structure, and treatment of each book in a database

Since 2005 the project has been supported by the Alumni and Association and Trust of Trinity College
Dublin. As a result, eight preservation assistants have been employed each year.
In 2008 work started on collections on the gallery level of the Long Room with 13,000 books on lower
perimeter shelves treated by early 2009. By mid-2009, 62,838 books on the north side of the Long
Room books had been cleaned.
The estimated total number of books in the Long Room is 200,000.

Environmental Monitoring

Environmental Monitoring
Environmental monitoring is fundamental to collection care, and is one of the responsibilities of the
Preservation and Conservation Department. Heat, relative humidity, and light levels influence the rate of
decay of the Library's collections. The monitoring and analysis of environmental data from rooms in
which a collection is stored and displayed is essential, as it enables an understanding of the condition of

a collection, and the preservation risks. The information is also used to inform buildings managers, so
collectively hazards to the collection can be reduced.
The Department has an extensive monitoring system in place in the Old Library which collects data on
relative humidity, temperature, and light levels, using a radio telemetry system. Stand-alone data loggers
supplement this equipment, and are used in display cases, and to monitor other Library buildings.
A very small percentage of the collection is stored in a climate controlled environment, and this is also
monitored to ensure the equipment is operating within the set parameters.
Hand-held equipment is used to spot-check conditions during exhibition installation, to ensure we meet
recommended standards for the preservation of the collection. The display cases are designed to provide
the appropriate relative humidity levels for the materials on exhibition, and light levels are controlled.
Control of environmental conditions by mechanical or passive means can considerably extend the useful
life of materials found in Library collections. See SOLD for further information about environmental
issues.

Preservation Calculator
How good is your storage environment? How fast is your collection deteriorating?
Will your current storage conditions encourage mold growth?

Preservation Calculator is a planning and analysis tool for collection storage environments in libraries,
archives, and museums. Use it to:

learn how temperature and RH affect organic objects in storage

evaluate a given storage condition

compare one storage condition to another

plan new storage conditions

Organic materials (carbon-containing substances such as plastics, dyes, paper, plants, and animal
products) make up a large proportion of cultural property collections. Preservation Calculator shows
how temperature and humidity combine to influence the rate of decay of organic objects. It is concerned
with two forms of decay: natural aging (caused by spontaneous chemical change within the material)
and mold damage.
Download Preservation Calculator
The self-extracting file wwwprescalc.exe will automatically install the program on your local
computer. Preservation Calculator runs with Windows 95, 98, NT, ME, 2000, and XP. (Not available
for the Mac.)

Preservation Calculator for Photo Storage

Preservation Calculator for Photo Storage is a special version of Preservation Calculator designed for
planning or evaluating storage conditions specifically for photographic objects, including negatives,
prints, and photo albums. Use it to make informed decisions on where and where not to store photos.
Prevent damage from mold, rapid fading, stickiness, or other environment-related problems by
understanding the effects of temperature and humidity on photographic objects.

Preservation Calculator for Photo Storage has all of the features included in Preservation
Calculator, and it also has an indicator light to show the user whether or not conditions are
recommended for photos. English, German, and Spanish versions are available.
Download Preservation Calculator for Photo Storage (English version)
Download Preservation Calculator for Photo Storage (German version)
Download Preservation Calculator for Photo Storage (Spanish version)
Preservation Calculator was created by the Image Permanence Institute at Rochester Institute of
Technology, with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the Andrew W. Mellon
Foundation.

How to use LightCheck ?

A strip of LightCheck is placed close to the artefact in order to get the same light exposure conditions.
Every day, week or month depending on light levels, evaluate the Lightcheck by comparison of the
colour to the calibration card. Choose the most similar colour, which will give a code i.e. 1S, 2S, 3S, 4S
or 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U. Use this code to obtain an equivalent luminous exposure (ELE) from the tables
below.
To estimate the annual exposure, multiply the ELE figure by 365 and divide by the number of days for
which the Lightcheck has been exposed.
If a LightCheck becomes white, the maximum luminous exposure has been exceeded.
LightCheck Ultra Maximum 120 000 lx.h ( Complete bleaching )
LCU
4U
3U
2U
1U
0U
LCU

Equivalent luminous exposure (lux

h)
75 000 - 100 000
45 000 - 75 000
30 000 - 45 000
5 000 - 30 000
0 - 5 000
Equivalent luminous exposure
(lux h)

LightCheck Sensitive Maximum 400 000 lx.h ( Complete bleaching )

LCS
4S
3S
2S
1S
0S

Equivalent luminous exposure

Above 340 000 lx.h
200 000-340 000 lx.h
80 000-240 000 lx.h
60 000-100 000 lx.h
Below 60 000 lx.h

LightCheck is a product of a European Commission funded project "A light dosimeter for monitoring
cultural heritage - development, testing and transfer to market" (LiDo, EVK4-CT2000_00016).
WARNING LightCheck

contains dyes that might migrate and produce stains or spots. Do not place in direct contact with
an artefact and be aware of volatile organic compounds that may be emitted. Do not touch the
surface of the strip.
is not intended for monitoring high illuminance level such as camera flashes, nor has it been
tested for long-term use over years of exposure.
is not intended for use in an oxygen free environment

A strip of LightCheck is placed close to the artefact in order to get the same light exposure conditions.
Every day, week or month depending on light levels, evaluate the Lightcheck by comparison of the
colour to the calibration card. Choose the most similar colour, which will give a code i.e. 1S, 2S, 3S, 4S
or 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U. Use this code to obtain an equivalent luminous exposure (ELE) from the tables
below.
To estimate the annual exposure, multiply the ELE figure by 365 and divide by the number of days for
which the Lightcheck has been exposed.
If a LightCheck becomes white, the maximum luminous exposure has been exceeded.
LightCheck Ultra Maximum 120 000 lx.h ( Complete bleaching )
LCU
4U
3U
2U
1U
0U
LCU

Equivalent luminous exposure (lux

h)
75 000 - 100 000
45 000 - 75 000
30 000 - 45 000
5 000 - 30 000
0 - 5 000
Equivalent luminous exposure
(lux h)

LightCheck Sensitive Maximum 400 000 lx.h ( Complete bleaching )

LCS
4S
3S
2S
1S
0S

Equivalent luminous exposure

Above 340 000 lx.h
200 000-340 000 lx.h
80 000-240 000 lx.h
60 000-100 000 lx.h
Below 60 000 lx.h

LightCheck is a product of a European Commission funded project "A light dosimeter for monitoring
cultural heritage - development, testing and transfer to market" (LiDo, EVK4-CT2000_00016).
WARNING LightCheck

contains dyes that might migrate and produce stains or spots. Do not place in direct contact with
an artefact and be aware of volatile organic compounds that may be emitted. Do not touch the
surface of the strip.
is not intended for monitoring high illuminance level such as camera flashes, nor has it been
tested for long-term use over years of exposure.
is not intended for use in an oxygen free environment

Parchment Deeds

Parchment Deeds
MS1207 includes 320 Irish deeds spanning the period 1246-1691, relating to the Essebourne family, principally of Dublin,
and those of the Meonis and Stanihurst families.
The treatment of the deeds was divided into three phases. The first involved a survey of the collection which provided
the first comprehensive overview of condition, and the treatment and storage requirements.
The parchment in all cases was identified as sheepskin, with iron gall ink inscriptions. The size and condition of the
items varied, however all of them were very poorly stored in paper envelops. They were extremely dirty, creased and
distorted due to being folded, and many had minor tears. The majority had wax seals on tags, or metal seals on silk
cords, which were fragile and in some cases broken or missing.
The treatment phase involved surface cleaning, flattening and repair. Tears were stabilised using traditional skin
techniques as well as Japanese paper. No loss compensation was carried out.
The third phase was to re-house the deeds using a cost-effective method which would reduce direct handling by
researchers, offer full support and protection to the seals, and provide a space-efficient solution for storage.
To achieve this the deeds were secured in exact-sized four-flap paper folders, which were attached to archival boxboard
wallets designed to fit into standardised boxboard storage boxes. The seals were secured to the wallet base with
parchment strips, with the depth of each wallet constructed to protect them from pressure.

Codex Ussherianus Primus

Codex Ussherianus Primus

MS55, Codex Usserianus Primus, is a gospel book believed to be 7th century Irish (but may be 5th
century Italian). It is made up of 181 folios, one of which is a small group of fragments. It is very badly
damaged with all original surrounding edges completely lost, and the surviving parchment stained,
discoloured and distorted. The parchment is probably calfskin and the text has been written with iron
gall ink with red pigment decoration throughout the text.
In the 19th century the single folios were mounted in paper frames, assembled into quires, and sewn
together, then rebound in a full leather binding. The mounting caused the parchment to distort due to the
differential expansion rate between the paper and parchment. The paper mounting has also overlaid a
small but significant amount of the edge text.
In 2008 two folios were treated in preparation for display, and in 2009 the conservation of the entire
manuscript was commenced. The manuscript has been photographed, taken out of its paper mounts,
examined, and preliminary observations made about its condition and stability. The folios have been
stored in numbered polypropylene sleeves, within acid free card wraps, and temporarily boxed.
The main conservation treatment at this stage is to carefully remove adhesive residues left from the
mounting process. Due to the delicate and degraded state of the parchment this task is done with the aid
of a microscope. The residue is softened with moisture, then, with the aid of a fine pointed small knife

blade (blunt), it is carefully scraped off the parchment. Use of the microscope enables the control of the
scraping process so as not to damage any ink under the adhesive. This is a slow and painstaking
operation, carefully controlled so as not to over wet the edges, which could cause gelatinisation of the
parchment. After scraping, remaining residue is cleaned off with moist and dry cotton swabs, and the
parchment fragment is placed under light weights to dry and keep flat.
Future conservation treatments will involve:

Flattening each folio and repairing/supporting any brittle edges and tears with suitable
membrane
Staining the new parchment
Grafting original folios to the new parchment
Preparing the repaired folios for conservation binding

1641 Depositions

1641 Depositions
The 1641 Depositions comprise 3,400 statements, and associated materials, in which mainly Protestant
men and women of all classes recorded their experiences following the outbreak of the rebellion by the
Catholic Irish in October 1641.
This body of material, collected by government-appointed commissioners in the decade following the
crisis, is unparalleled elsewhere in early modern Europe, and provides a unique source of information
about the events surrounding the rebellion. The collection held in the manuscripts department, is bound
in 36 volumes, 29 of which have been treated and rebound.

As part of a joint research project between Trinity College Dublin and the Universities of Aberdeen and
Cambridge, the remaining seven volumes of depositions are being conserved.
Details of the project which includes digitisation of all manuscripts along with transcription and other
scholarly work can be found at the Department of History's page.
The conservation project aims to stabilise the media, and repair and rebind the documents to ensure their
preservation into the future. The documents vary in condition due to the effects of the aging of the iron
gall ink inscriptions, which in some cases has caused staining and perforation of the paper. The 18th
century bindings are in poor condition, and old paper repairs are further stressing the fragile documents.
Access to the documents for digitisation is impossible without causing further damage to the paper and
the structure.
A methodology has been developed taking account of guidelines on the treatment of iron gall ink
corrosion established by the Netherlands Institute for Cultural Heritage. This involves pre-treatment
assessment of the stage of deterioration, and the use of a calcium phytate/calcium bicarbonate stabilising
procedure.
The project is due for completion in 2010.