Working in conjunction with the Harvard University Library Preservation Office and Conservation Laboratory and Holliston Mills, Acme Bookbinding has developed a new, affordable and attractive conservation binding called The Classic Recase.

The Classic Recase has been designed to provide a binding that is aesthetically compatible with late 19th and early 20th century collections. It is a conservation treatment suitable for books that have an intact sewing structure, but require strengthening of the text block and a new cover. Our approach has been to produce a reasonably priced attractively bound volume that will withstand repeated use, yet minimize any adverse effect that rebinding may have on the textblock.

Our technicians carefully remove the old covers, spine lining, old adhesive and endpapers. Then we apply a Japanese paper lining to the spine. The lining wraps onto the binding margin of the first and last pages, which are often weakened when the original endpapers are removed. Custom designed soft-edge alkaline endpapers are then hand sewn through the fold to the first and last signatures. The design and means of attachment of these endpapers have been chosen to maximize openability at the front and back of the volume and minimize stress on the first and last leaves. A strong cotton spine lining is attached and the text block is fitted into a case covered with specially made acrylic-coated English Finish Record Buckram. Hand stamping, gold panel lines, and head bands are available options.