Intensive Care for Poorly Papers: Approaches for Treatment of the Dr Richard Bright Collection for Digitization

ABSTRACT The collection of Richard Bright’s papers held at the Norfolk Record Office contain around 1300 items consisting of notebooks, sketchbooks and letters written, drawn and received by Richard Bright. Together they chart the early years of Bright’s career as a doctor and author. However, due to the very fragile condition of the paper, the information contained within the collection is at risk of being lost entirely. This article seeks to highlight the challenges when conserving very fragile folded paper items with the aim to digitize the collection. Through hands-on experience, adapting established and new techniques, some innovative approaches have been formulated to allow ease of handling and treatment. These techniques are demonstrated in this article to evoke discussion and expand on the ideas suggested.