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Book and Paper Conservation Centre of the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia received the congratulatory book with the photograph of Kranj from 1860 to carry out an expert examination in the field of conservation and restoration and natural science. The oldest photograph kept by the Archdiocesan Archives in Ljubljana and also the oldest known photograph of Kranj aroused a great deal of curiosity among researchers as the author could be Janez Puhar (Johann Pucher). After visual examinations of the photograph, literature studies, consultations with the competent archivist and Slovenian experts on old photographs, we decided to use the PIXE method as it allows a relatively simple and non-destructive examination. Below is a description of the work method and analysis results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The contribution presents the application of proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE), as a non-destructive analytical method, to the identification and study of historic paper, parchment and textile objects. The results show the possibilities for identification of inks, pigments, dyes, surface layers and inorganic impurities in historic objects made of organic materials. The measurement of elemental concentrations in these materials provides a sound basis for investigation of their composition and of degradation processes. PIXE has been found useful in evaluating the viability of a range of potential conservation treatments by measuring the elemental changes before and after the process has been carried out. Like any other form of analysis, the PIXE method has its limitations, but its great strength is in its non-destructiveness, high sensitivity and accuracy in determining composition and concentration distribution over a wide range of chemical elements. For objects made of complex organic materials the information obtained should be interpreted in combination with other analytical methods. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article presents the author's views on the optimization of leafcasting technique. Leafcasting is used for the production of various conservation paper samples of different fibre types and additives, as well as optimising the technique for conservation. Many research concentrated on the influence bleached and unbleached cellulose fibre had on the quality and on the permanence and stability of the resulting paper. Leafcasting technique is advantageous in comparison to manual methods. Leafcasting is faster and provides superior aesthetic quality and homogeneity between the old paper and the new fill.

Presents a study which determined the chemical element profiles of iron-gall ink writing before and after water treatment and deacidification. Advantage of using the non-destructive analytical method proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) for chemical elemental analysis; Comparison of ink and paper elemental concentration before and after deacidification.

Photographs convey visual messages about the past, events, people, buildings and landscape. They are considered to be a particularly vulnerable segment of cultural heritage due to the sensitivity of the materials of which they consist. It is therefore all the more important that they are stored and handled properly. The article is based on the process of describing the condition of the photographs included in the personal fonds Julij Felaher (SI AS 1384) which is held in the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia. Used for this purpose was a special form that, in addition to basic information on photographs, also included a number of other data, such as information on the photographic techniques used, the type of medium, damages and the current state of preservation. The data acquired by means of this process helped to protect these photographs, while recommendations on proper handling enabled their-long term preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on paper conservation technique leafcasting and the effects of its stability on surface coating. Leafcasting technique of preservation posses an advantage in comparison with the usual method of paper conservation in terms of not just its speed in paper preservation but also its superior aesthetic quality and homogeneity between the old paper and the new fill.

The article describes a process of work that took place at the Book and Paper Conservation Centre at the Archives of the Republic of Slovenia and may serve as an example of how to take a systematic and scientific approach to conservation and restoration of archival records. Case study is presented here by means of analysis and conservation-restoration procedure on part of the Josephian cadastre for Carniola (1785-1789). Conservation-restoration project was divided into four stages: documentation of the records' condition prior to the conservation treatment, analysis of the materials (paper and ink), the actual conservation-restoration treatment and permanent protection of the records in archival repository. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]