Recently, a Library senior paper conservator turned to the University of Michigan Library, which holds the largest collection of papyri in North America, to learn more about papyrus conservation & bring that knowledge back to the national library's staff. blogs.loc.gov/preservation...
Conservator Julie Biggs works on Egyptian papyri fragments, c. 7th-11th century CE, from the African and MIddle Eastern Division's Fustat Collection, April 25, 2025. Photo by Shawn Miller/Library of Congress.
Conservators Claire Dekle and Gwenanne Edwards work on Egyptian papyri fragments, c. 7th-11th century CE, from the African and MIddle Eastern Division's Fustat Collection, April 25, 2025. Photo by Shawn Miller/Library of Congress.
Most of the Library's holdings are on paper, but some are on papyrus, the common writing surface of the Mediterranean world before paper was invented in China. Notable papyrus holdings at the Library include fragments from Homer’s Iliad & the biblical Book of Isaiah. 🧵
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A short piece of papyrus stalk, ready to be sliced into either a sheet or individual strips using a needle for the production of a writing surface
Five small square freshly produced fragments of papyrus
A highlight from the Leipzig University Library's 4th Papyrus Restoration and Conservation Workshop in November 📜: Preparing for work on ancient material by making fresh “fragments” of papyrus ourselves, using both the Classical & the Groningen method (more work, but more authentic, in my opinion)
