One of the Ringling Art Library’s rare books includes a magnificent collection of prints published in 1606 and was recently conserved to repair water damage. When the pastedown was removed, it was discovered that some much earlier pieces of “manuscript waste” had been used in the binding!
In 2017 The Ringling conservation staff began a major restoration treatment of the "Watermelon Regatta." Find out about the conservation process for this unique work, created in Italy in the early 1700s.
The books previously owned by John and Mable Ringing hold an honored place within the Library’s Special Collections. While most of John Ringling's books are in remarkably good condition (considering they were stored without air condition for many decades!) some require conservation. Take a look behind the scenes at the conservation of a book that lead John Ringling to purchase a painting in the Museum's collection.
