(...) vellum is an organic material, made of animal hide, and when it is stretched and dried for production, it is pulled along the lines of the animal's body. The skin never forgets the shape of its muscles, the location of its legs and heart and head, and as a result parchment cockles. The natural tension in each page, so that when parchment becomes too hot or cold or damp or dry, it moves. The books are, in this sense, very much alive. We restore them by applying heat and gentle pressure, relaxing the hides, allowing them t
(...) vellum is an organic material, made of animal hide, and when it is stretched and dried for production, it is pulled along the lines of the animal's body. The skin never forgets the shape of its muscles, the location of its legs and heart and head, and as a result parchment cockles. The natural tension in each page, so that when parchment becomes too hot or cold or damp or dry, it moves. The books are, in this sense, very much alive. We restore them by applying heat and gentle pressure, relaxing the hides, allowing them t