Foundation Course on Paper Conservation at the BA
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The BA Manuscripts Center and Museum organized a foundational course on the restoration and treatment of heritage paper manuscripts, which took place from 7 to 10 September 2025.
The course was delivered by a select group of specialists, including Egyptian university professors as well as restoration and conservation experts from the Manuscripts Center and Museum. It highlighted several topics, most notably learning about the history and techniques of materials used in manuscript production, the physical composition of manuscripts and rare books, the different types of Islamic shiraz in manuscripts, and handmade papermaking.
The course also covered the aesthetic values of parchment skins throughout Islamic history, conservation and maintenance techniques of manuscript paper and gelatin layers, an introduction to ancient inks and pigments, and an overview of the general principles and basics of chemical treatments of manuscripts and rare books. It concluded with practical training sessions led by restoration experts at the Manuscript Center and Museum.