Ancient manuscripts need ‘cure’ before restoration – Susanna Kirakosyan

Susanna Kirakosyan, Senior Restorer at the Institute of Ancient Manuscripts (Matenadaran) in Yerevan, told Tert.am about restoration of ancient manuscripts.

Before being placed at restorers’ disposal, the manuscripts are “cured” of fungi.

“We restore the torn pages with Japanese paper of different colors and thickness,” Ms Kirakosyan said.

The Restoration Department is restoring paper and parchment manuscripts affected by humidity, fire, fungi, bacteria, rodents and insects.

Ms Kirakosyan is especially happy restore ancient gospels.

“Gospels are special. Each page is very pleasing to my eyes,” she says.

Restoring the back of the book is sometimes the hardest work. The missing details are listed and made in Germany.

The Restoration Department of Matenadaran is cooperation with the National Library in Berlin, Italy's Institute of the Pathology of the Book, Hermitage of Saint Petersburg.