King James Bible returns to Southwell Minster following repairs at Nottinghamshire Archives

The bible was transferred temporarily to Nottinghamshire Archives’ conservation team to receive treatment to repair and preserve the historic text. The work was completed by David Ackrel, conservator and now retired and volunteering at Nottinghamshire Archives. He worked to attach a new spine to replace the damaged binding, reattach the books’ boards, as well as replace areas of the covering with new reverse calf leather.

Throughout the book, tears in the paper were repaired using Japanese tissue and wheat starch paste, as this was extensive work it was undertaken by the whole of the conservation team; Dave, Paul and Jessica. The end bands at the head and tail of the spine were very damaged, as these provide both a decorative and structural function they were resewn. The new end bands were sewn in red and yellow thread and are attached through the spine of the book block to reinforce the structure, helping it to open so it can be viewed for many more years to come.

It was welcomed back to Southwell Minster in the Chapter House, where the Dean of Southwell The Revd. Canon Dr. Neil Evans and Canon Precentor, The Revd. Dr. Richard Frith read a passage of the Bible. Members of the conservation and archive team, David Ackrel, Paul Fuller, Jaime McMurtrie and Jessica Phipps Wardle presented the completed work, which was also received by Chapter Library librarian Victoria Arthurson and Dr. Chris Brooke.

Find out more about our conservation service, including past work and how to get in touch about future projects.