The conservation of the Codex Eyckensis: the evolution of the project and the assessment of materials and adhesives for the repair of parchment

Summary A conservation project was set up for the Codex Eyckensis, an illuminated manuscript on parchment from the 8th century AD. Poly(vinylchloride) membranes, applied in 1957, were removed. Different options for a new conservation were discussed within the framework of a supervising committee. Research in the field of chemistry, microbiology, codicology and conservation techniques was interpreted in an interactive way. A method for the laboratory preparation of goldbeater's skin is described. Several adhesives for parchment repair were tested for their tensile strength, water-vapour permeability, influence on the appearance of the materials to be adhered and reversibility, before and after ageing, following two different systems. An investigation was started to check the applicability of dermal hide substance suspensions to parchment leafcasting according to strict working conditions.