Folds & Binding Problems

The diagrams below help to explain how folded maps and prints are sometimes damaged.
The example is for a 3 fold illustration, but in practice they come in any number of folds and in any orientation.
These defects are often repaired and tight margins 'strengthened'.
Split or cracked folds are often secured to prevent further progress.
The more these illustrations were used the greater chance of damage and the greater the severity of the damage.
Any known illustration from one of these publications will be bound in a similar way, so the chances are that all similar illustrations on the open market will have the same defect generated by the binding process.  The exception is a proof edition that was not folded & bound - a most unlikely find.  As an example, the maps from Hasted's History of Kent were all folded and bound as described.  Any Hasted map located on the open market will have the folds and trimmed corner.  The degree of trim and the number of folds will depend on the workmanship of the printer and binder at the time of publication.
The folds can be visually minimised by applying the illustration to a paper press for a few days.
The defective margins can be strengthened by trimming surplus margin from one side of the illustration and pasting it to the depleted area.  This works best if the paper is from the same illustration so that the colour and texture match. A good adaption can only be seen at close quarters and is virtually unseen if the item is mounted and framed.

Fig 1

An example of a
map or a print
bound into a book.
Fig 2

The unfolded
illustration page.

Note that panel 4
has a reduced margin
to ease the folding
exercise.
Some binders add a
diagonal fold to panel 4
to ease the unfolding.

Sometimes the surplus
margin from panel 1
may be trimmed and
pasted to panel 4 in
order to provide a
decent margin.



Fig 2a

The page prior to
binding.


The first fold is across
the middle so that
Panel 4 meets Panel 1.
This can only be done
by using a 'tongue'
bound to the spine,
enabling the the fold
freedom from the spine area.
     

      
Fig 3

Careless unfolding
can initiate tears and
rips at panel 1.
Repeated folding can
initiate splits and cracks
at the folds.
Fig 4

An example of a
'Strengthened' margin.
Using the surplus margin
from panel 1 to enhance
the trimmed margin at
panel 4.
Fig 5a

Example of a folded
map - bound at left
side.




Defective lower-left
corner.



Fig 5b

Exaggerated fold
lines.











Fig 5c

Enlarged left side





A Past Pages Information page      www.pastpages.co.uk              Tony Nicholls  2008