New Preservation Lab – UCC Library

We are excited to announce the establishment of a newly equipped preservation laboratory dedicated to caring for UCC Library’s Special Collections and Archives. This project has been supported by The Heritage Council.

Thanks to a generous grant from the 2024 Heritage Stewardship Fund, our conservator has acquired vital equipment, including a hooded suction table, light table, and daylight luminaire. This will expand our preservation programme, enhancing access to our extensive collection of rare printed books, unique manuscripts, archives, and growing photograph collections. Our goal is to ensure long-term access to these invaluable resources for teaching, learning, and research.

Modern library conservation techniques combine a unique understanding of materials and science. Conservation methods were pioneered in response to the devastating floods in Florence, Italy, on November 4, 1966. These methods aim to halt deterioration and minimize damage while respecting each item’s significance and historical integrity. Among the thousands who volunteered to salvage flooded books and manuscripts at the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze was Tony Cains. He was soon appointed technical director of conservation in Florence and later established the Conservation and Preservation Laboratory at the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin in the 1970s.

We are honoured to house the equipment and materials from the late Tony Cains’ private studio, embracing a sustainable approach to collection care. One of his notable private commissions, the binding of the Great Book of Ireland, was created with this equipment and is part of UCC’s Special Collections and Archives. He was also instrumental in establishing Ireland’s professional conservation body, which, like the Heritage Council, is committed to the highest standards in preserving our cultural heritage. This aligns with UCC Library’s dedication to excellent stewardship.

Building on the legacy Tony Cains left to the library and conservation communities, UCC Library’s Preservation Lab will play a crucial role in engaging UCC students, researchers, and the community with our cultural heritage.

Special thanks from Dr. John Gillis, interim Head of Conservation and Preservation, Glucksman Conservation Department, The Library of Trinity College Dublin, Lara Artemis Senior Conservator ACR FIIC Lambeth Palace Library, and Jessica Baldwin (National Archives of Ireland) for their advice and professional support on this project.