Cue Covid. With New Zealand in Level 4 lockdown, the Museum’s Paper Conservator, Erin Walker, found a game-changing tool for rare book handling, while participating in the Conservation: Together at Home webinar series. This tool, called the Adaptable Conservation Book Support (ACBS), was developed by Roger Williams, the Book and Paper Conservator at Northwestern University Libraries.
The ACBS uses the principle of shimbari clamping – a Japanese method of applying accurate and controlled pressure, using flexible rods inside a rigid frame. Using flexible fibreglass rods and adjustable clamps, the ACBS can hold books open at a sweeping range of 15°-180°. The ACBS is also grounded in DIY and open-design philosophy, which emphasises affordability and access. It can be easily put together from pre-made pieces found about the workshop, or your local Bunnings store.
Image: Shimbari clamping uses flexible rods to apply pinpoint pressure. Williams, R.S. Shimbari for book conservation.