Survey of non-adhesive bindings at the Notarial Archives in Valletta : a preliminary study

Abstract

Non-adhesive binding structures are functional bindings found in Archives across Europe. Studies on the structures of these bindings have been very scarce internationally, and practically non-existent in Malta. The Notarial Archives contain a large number of volumes bound using various non-adhesive binding techniques. The circumstances surrounding the Archives have made this collection a comprehensive representation of the non-adhesive binding techniques used in Malta from the 15th till the 20th century, and an ideal collection to study in order to gain an insight into the history and development of these binding structures, both locally and in the wider European context. Through the use of survey research methodology on a randomly selected sample a lot of information was gained from this small, preliminary sample. The results indicated a dominance of parchment covers, and a dominance of sewing structures, and features such as ties and corner tackets originating from different periods. It revealed the use of three main bindings: lacing, tacketing, and a combination of both techniques. A number of the structures and features could be compared to published the literature on the subject, and although the Maltese practices seemed to closely follow some Italian characteristics, they also included other structures and characteristics more commonly associated with other regions, such as France. There is certainly a lot more data to be gained from a continued study of the collection at the Archives, and the continuation of the survey presented in this thesis will bring to light valuable insights not only on Maltese binding practices but on the history of non-adhesive binding structures in Europe. Unless otherwise specified, all photos, diagrams and drawings produced in this thesis are copyright of the author.