Conservative Restoration of Leather Books: Preserving Historical Integrity with Legatoria Conti Borbone

The conservative restoration of a book with a leather spine is a handcrafted process that requires not only technical expertise but also a deep sensitivity to the historical and cultural value of the work. At Legatoria Conti Borbone in Milan, each restoration intervention is guided by a commitment to preserving the integrity of the volume as best we can, keeping intact the traces of time and the hands that have leafed through it.

In our work, we take a careful and respectful approach to the work of art that the book represents. Our goal is to preserve as many original elements as possible, intervening only where strictly necessary to ensure its survival over time. In the case of books with leather spines, this means replacing the leather only when damaged beyond repair, ensuring that the new material is carefully chosen to respect the style and texture of the original.

Specifically, during the conservation restoration of a book with a leather spine, where possible we focus on reattaching the original spine. This process requires an experienced hand and great attention to detail, but the end result is a book that keeps its authentic and historic character intact, while benefiting from increased durability and longevity.


Relying on Legatoria Conti Borbone for the conservation restoration of a book means choosing the quality and craftsmanship typical of our tradition. With us, each volume is treated with the respect and care it deserves, thus ensuring its survival for future generations.

I am Angelo Marchesi, a bookbinder following in the footsteps of my family, who owns the Bookbinding Conti Borbone, founded over a hundred years ago. My passion is to preserve and enhance ancient books, restoring them with care and respect. I also enjoy creating new volumes, personalized and original, using high-quality materials and traditional techniques. Bookbinding, for me, is an art that demands dedication, creativity, and precision.

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