Florence, Italy – The National Central Library’s restoration workshop is poised to undertake a new rescue mission: flood-damaged ancient volumes, including rare 16th-century printed books (cinquecentine) and incunabula, from the Seminary Library of Forlì, will undergo freeze-drying. This innovative restoration method promises a safe and effective preservation technique for the valuable books affected by the recent flooding.
The devastating flood that struck the Seminary Library of Forlì caused immeasurable damage to its rich collection of literary treasures. Thousands of volumes were submerged in water and mud, putting them at risk of irreparable harm. However, through the combined efforts of the National Central Library’s restoration laboratory and Ministry of Culture experts, this drying method offers hope for rescuing these literary gems.
Freeze-drying, also known as lyophilization, is a drying technique that leverages the process of sublimation. During the procedure, the flood-damaged books are frozen at extremely low temperatures and subsequently subjected to a pressurized vacuum. This combination of extreme cold and low pressure allows the water inside the books to transition directly from the solid phase (ice) to the gaseous phase (vapor), bypassing the liquid state. As a result, the books are dried without undergoing further damage caused by conventional evaporation methods.
Lyophilization is a well-established technique used in various industries, such as food and pharmaceuticals, to preserve the properties of perishable products. However, its application in the field of book restoration is still relatively novel and represents a promising frontier for the preservation of cultural heritage.
The National Central Library’s restoration laboratory, as a partner in the SAFECULT project, is at the forefront of adopting innovative approaches to salvage and restore flood-damaged materials. By utilizing freeze-drying, they aim to mitigate the long-term effects of water damage on the ancient volumes from the Seminary Library of Forlì. This advanced technique not only removes moisture but also minimizes the risk of mold growth, which can be a significant threat to the structural integrity and longevity of the books.
The collaboration between the National Central Library’s restoration laboratory and the Seminary Library of Forlì demonstrates the dedication to safeguarding cultural heritage and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in the field of book conservation. Through their joint efforts, these priceless volumes, including cinquecentine and incunabula, will have a renewed chance at survival, ensuring that future generations can continue to appreciate and study these invaluable works.
The decision to employ freeze-drying for the restoration of the flood-damaged volumes from the Seminary Library of Forlì is a testament to the expertise gained from previous catastrophic events. Building upon the lessons learned from the devastating flood of 1966 in Florence, as well as the handling of water-damaged manuscripts during the Magra River flooding in 2011 and the treatment of wet manuscripts in Venice in 2019, the National Central Library’s restoration laboratory has developed a refined understanding of effective drying techniques.
The flood of 1966 in Florence served as a transformative moment in the field of cultural heritage preservation. The widespread damage inflicted on books, artworks, and historical artifacts prompted the establishment of the library’s restoration workshop and the implementation of advanced conservation practices. Over the years, the laboratory has continuously honed its expertise, incorporating invaluable lessons from subsequent floods and disasters that have impacted Italy’s cultural institutions.
The 2011 flooding of the Magra River and the subsequent drying efforts provided a wealth of knowledge in dealing with water-damaged materials. The experience gained from that event contributed to the development of improved techniques and protocols for rescuing and restoring flood-affected manuscripts. Similarly, the treatment of wet manuscripts in Venice in 2019 presented a unique challenge that further refined the workshop’s expertise in handling delicate and waterlogged materials.
By drawing upon these experiences and the advancements made in the conservation field, the National Central Library’s conservation workshop is equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively employ freeze-drying for the salvaging of the flood-damaged volumes from the Seminary Library of Forlì. This integration of past lessons ensures that the restoration process is conducted with precision and care, maximizing the chances of preserving these invaluable cultural artifacts for future generations.
In conclusion, the decision to utilize freeze-drying for the restoration of the Seminary Library of Forlì’s flood-damaged volumes not only demonstrates the commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage but also reflects the cumulative expertise acquired from past calamities. By applying the lessons learned from the Florence flood of 1966, the Magra River flooding of 2011, and the wet manuscript treatment in Venice in 2019, the National Central Library’s conservation workshop is at the forefront of employing innovative techniques to salvage precious books and manuscripts, ensuring their longevity and accessibility for generations to come.
