Workshop

UNDERSTANDING THE BOOK STRUCTURE AND BINDING OF ISLAMIC MANUSCRIPTS: Model 
making and conservation issues
A 4-day workshop presented by Dr. Karin Scheper at the Aga Khan Museum, 
Toronto, Canada


Aim:

To teach participants about the nature of manuscript binding in the Islamic 
world, with a focus on the predominant structure of the binding as well as 
explaining region-specific characteristics and varieties. In addition, the 
strengths and functionality of this bookbinding method will be explained in 
order to understand the composite structure and the use of materials for such 
bindings. This will also help participants with developing conservation 
strategies and preparing such bindings for exhibition.



Content:

The workshop will consist of theoretical (interactive) and practical 
components. During the training, the participants will make a model of a bound 
manuscript while practicing the original techniques of sewing, lining, 
endbanding and covering. Several other topics such as ‘agents of damage’ and 
‘conservation terminology and documentation issues’ will be discussed along the 
way.

Schedule:
Day One

·  Introduction and overview of bookbinding developments in the Islamic world

·  Getting started with making a model textblock: sewing, lining, and 
practicing traditional link-stitch sewing in several varieties

·  Theory: misperceptions regarding the structure



Day Two

·  Theory: function of the endbands

·  Practice: making Endband model(s) on card

·  Agents of damage



Day Three

·  Practice: making endband on the textblock

·  Instruction and practice: shaving leather, preparing all covering materials

·  Theory: Discuss several covering techniques



Day Four

·  Theory and practice: different ways of board attachment

·  Practice: covering the manuscript model – exterior and interior

·  Theory and practice: endpapers and doublures: various constructive techniques



Instructor:

Dr. Karin Scheper is specialised in the conservation of manuscripts from the 
Arabic and Malay collections at the University Library of Leiden, Netherlands. 
Dr. Scheper has a tremendous experience teaching various conservation topics, 
presenting lectures and organizing training programmes/workshops in the field 
of manuscripts in places such as Cairo, Doha, Istanbul, Beirut, Kuala Lumpur 
and Amman.



Participants:

This workshop is aimed towards conservators who are familiar with manuscripts 
collections and have some experience with preservation/conservation issues. 
This may also include more advanced book and/or paper conservators. Limited 
space can accommodate maximum 9 people.


Details:
Venue: Aga Khan Museum, Toronto, Canada
Dates: 15-18 October 2019 (4 days)
Application deadline: 31 July 2019
Fee: CA$620 (GST and materials included)
* Participants will have access to the museum during breaks.
* Participants will have to arrange their own transportation, accommodation, 
and meals.
* Participants should bring their own tools like a bone folder, brush, scalpel 
and scissors (if possible).

To apply:
Please send a copy of your CV and a letter of interest (max. 300 words) to 
Ghazaleh Rabiei at [email protected]<mailto:[email protected]>
by 31 July 2019. Upon acceptance, we will contact you and assist you with the 
registration process for the
workshop.

Disclaimer:
**Advanced payment for all 4-days of the workshop is required upon registration.
** Participants must be mindful of the use of a hotplate and sharp tools for 
the duration of the workshop.
**No food or drinks are allowed in the workshop or any space housing artifacts.
**There will be photography while the workshop is taking place for marketing 
purposes.



Ghazaleh Rabiei
Collections Manager

Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Drive
Toronto | ON Canada M3C 1K1
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 416.646.4677 x 7722
agakhanmuseum.org<https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/>
____________________________________

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