A reflection on the conservation and scientific examination of a Persian illuminated manuscript at the British Library, highlighting the importance of interdepartmental collaboration in the understanding and preservation of collection material.
15 September 2026Blog series Collection care
Author Ana C. Garcia Perez, Book Conservator British Library
During my internship in the conservation studios at the British Library, I had the opportunity to work alongside senior conservator Heather on the conservation of a Persian illuminated manuscript from the Library’s collections (IO Islamic 741 Vol. 1).
Alongside valuable practical experience, the project offered insight into the collaborative and investigative nature of conservation work, particularly when the manuscript’s richly decorated illuminations raised questions about their materials and condition, and how these questions could be explored through scientific analysis.
Although the manuscript originated in the East, it was later rebound in a Western style at some point in its history. While this intervention was likely intended to help preserve the textblock, it also introduced structural tensions that affected how the manuscript opened and how safely it could be handled.
Before any conservation decisions could be made, it was essential to understand the object in its entirety: how it was originally made, how it had changed over time, and how it might be used in the future. These questions form the foundation of conservation practice, helping to shape both priorities and approach.
Early discussions with curators played a key role in shaping the direction of the work. By bringing together different perspectives, these conversations ensured that both the manuscript’s historical significance and its long-term preservation were taken into account, highlighting the collaborative nature of conservation practice. Rather than being made in isolation, decisions emerge through ongoing dialogue between specialists, with each perspective contributing to more informed outcomes.
Persian manuscripts are renowned for their vibrant pigments, gold detailing, and finely executed painted decoration. As we examined the manuscript, the illuminated folios revealed several areas of interest, particularly in relation to historic repairs and the behaviour of certain pigments over time.
Recto of folio 2 of IO Islamic 741 Vol. 1.
Verso of folio 140 of IO Islamic 741 Vol. 1
Some folios appeared to have once been covered with silk gauze, a historic repair technique used to stabilise tears in the paper. Although most of these repairs had been removed at some point in the manuscript’s history, one illuminated folio still retained this layer. When this remaining gauze was carefully lifted, it became clear that it had adhered more strongly to some painted areas than others.
Examining the illuminated folios more closely revealed subtle variations in the condition and behaviour of the pigments, suggesting differences in how the materials had aged over time. Environmental conditions, as well as the inherent properties of certain pigments and binders, may have influenced how the colours changed and interacted with the paper support.
For me, contributing to this stage of the project was particularly valuable. Examining the illuminated folios closely helped me develop a more attentive approach to noticing subtle variations in materials, techniques, and signs of deterioration, an essential part of conservation practice.
Following this stage, Heather continued with the agreed treatment plan, carefully rebinding the manuscript in consultation with the curator and bringing the conservation project to completion.
Close examination of the folios raised broader questions about how the pigments had changed over time. Differences in tone and appearance between certain areas suggested that some colours may have altered, with instances of darkening, colour shift, pigment transfer, and localised discolouration becoming apparent across the manuscript.
These observations prompted the use of scientific analysis to support and further investigate the visual findings. While careful observation can reveal subtle changes in condition, analytical techniques can help identify the materials present in the pigments and provide insight into how they may have degraded over time. Together, these approaches offer a more complete understanding of both the original materials and their subsequent behaviour.
This led to collaboration with the Conservation Science team at the British Library, including Lucia Noor and the Conservation Science Intern at the time, Giulia, to explore the potential for non-invasive analysis of selected pigments identified during the conservation assessment.
Giulia (left) prepares to carry out pigment analysis using analytical equipment, while Ana (right) records the areas selected for analysis on a printed photograph of the illuminated page.
In recent years, the department has expanded its analytical capacity through investment in new analytical and imaging equipment, enabling a wider range of scientific techniques to be applied to the study of the collection. This provided an important context for the project and supported the use of multiple complementary techniques, including digital microscopy, multispectral imaging, hyperspectral imaging, fibre optic reflectance spectroscopy, and XRF spectroscopy, to investigate pigment composition and condition.
The analysis revealed a number of material variations across the manuscript. In several areas, red pigments (particularly along the margins) showed signs of discolouration, with Red Lead identified as the most reactive of the inorganic reds present. Similar changes were also observed in some pink and white passages containing lead-based pigments, likely reflecting their sensitivity to environmental conditions over time.
In areas where Verdigris had been used, signs of oxidation were detected, often visible from the verso of the folios. In other passages, yellow pigments appeared to have darkened over time, consistent with known interactions between materials such as Orpiment and Lead White.
Taken together, these observations helped build a clearer picture of how different pigments behave under changing environmental conditions, while also contributing to a deeper understanding of the manuscript’s history and early painting techniques.
For me, this collaboration between departments was one of the most rewarding aspects of the project. It demonstrated how different forms of expertise (visual, technical, and scientific) can come together to deepen our understanding of historic materials and support their long-term preservation.
As the manuscript had already been rebound, by the time the scientific analysis was carried out, examining individual folios required careful planning to ensure it could be studied safely without placing strain on its structure.
Soft supports were arranged to allow the book to open comfortably, and a bespoke cardboard-frame mount was prepared to support individual folios during analysis. This mount helped isolate the folio under investigation and reduced potential interference from the underlying pages.
Folio 94 verso supported on a mount during XRF analysis.
Preparing the workspace thoughtfully before examination forms an essential part of conservation practice. It ensures that objects can be studied safely while minimising risk to their long-term preservation.
During the analytical stage, selected folios were examined using non-invasive techniques by the Conservation Science team. My role was to support the process by recording which areas were being analysed, ensuring accurate internal conservation records.
The results of the analysis provided further insight into the materials and condition of the manuscript, particularly in relation to pigment stability and areas of alteration. These findings not only informed our understanding of how different pigments behave over time, but also contribute to ongoing conservation decision-making across related material in the collection.
For example, patterns of pigment change and material sensitivity can help guide future handling, display, and treatment approaches, ensuring that interventions remain appropriate to the long-term preservation needs of the manuscripts.
For me, this stage highlighted the importance of preparation, attention to detail, adaptability, and creative problem-solving when working with complex, delicate materials.
Participating in this project was a valuable part of my internship experience. Working alongside an experienced conservator like Heather provided insight into the careful decision-making that underpins each stage of a conservation project.
Beyond the practical aspects of working with manuscripts, the experience also highlighted how conservation projects evolve through observation, discussion, and collaboration. Engaging with colleagues from other departments demonstrated how bringing together different forms of expertise allows complex objects to be approached in ways that respect both their material complexity and their cultural significance. It further demonstrated how analytical techniques can contribute to a deeper understanding of an object’s materials and condition over time.
As an intern, taking part in this process reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in conservation practice, and its role in supporting the long-term preservation and interpretation of cultural heritage objects.
This blog is part of series where you can discover how we care for the British Library’s Collections. Follow our expert team of conservators and scientists as we take you behind the scenes, into the Centre for Conservation and the Scientific Research Lab, to share some of the projects we are working on.
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