This Woman Deconstructs 100-Year-Old Books To Restore Them | Obsessed | WIRED

Author, educator and book restorer Sophia Bogle has nerves of steel: one slip of the hand and a century-old first edition book could be ruined. Come inside her workshop as she breaks down the amazing deconstruction, revitalization, and reassembly that goes into her history preserving speciality.

See more from Sophia Bogle:

Director: Charlie Jordan
Director of Photography: Paul Ramsey
Editor: Richard Trammell
Expert: Sophia Bogle
Creative Producer: Wendi Jonassen
Line Producer: Joseph Buscemi
Associate Producer: Brandon White
Production Manager: D. Eric Martinez
Production Coordinator: Fernando Davila
Camera Operator: John Gurney
Assistant Camera: Drew Cannulett
Sound Mixer: Chad Saddler
Post Production Supervisor: Alexa Deutsch
Post Production Coordinator: Ian Bryant
Supervising Editor: Doug Larsen
Assistant Editor: Andy Morell


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[TheEternalGoth]

This woman needs a YT channel! I would watch her restore books all day.

[ashurean]

I'm glad she has an apprentice, this is a craft that shouldn't be lost

[theo]

This woman is a true artist. Highly skilled, with an artists eye to restoration. Hats off to her !!!

[RGOR-nevq]

I restored a book under Sophia's direction some years ago. I absolutely loved her workshop and it was a delight to take her class.

[janna]

My Dad used to repair books for the Newark NJ library. He would have loved to see someone else's techniques and love for books.

[WasAC]

As an MD all I can says is she's waaaay more delicate than 96% of surgeons I've met.

[janp.]

This brings back memories. Years ago, I did an apprenticeship at a manual bookbinder's. On quiet days, I could help the bookbinder's wife restore antique books. Loved every minute of it. Pity I couldn't do restoration full-time, so I decided to become a teacher instead. Another way to spend time with books. 😉

[miklaughter]

I studied book binding and this woman is on another plain of existence
🤯 and she does every single part too? Amazing. Hope she has an apprentice so her craft can last as long as possible💖

[ppan]

Just followed her channel "Save Your Books"!! I hope she'll update more frequently, I could watch her restorations all day every day!!!

[rjc]

The fact that she loves her occupation is reflected in the outcome of each book that she restores.

[VCygni]

It's always a joy to watch bright, cheerful and skilled people talk about their passions and the odd little tools they have (or even develop) to solve their very specific challenges.

[keboonplumeria]

She is so patience about her art. It good to know someone out there especially her clients are still apreciating the real book. I collect old dictionary myself - some of the words had becoming obsolete and archaic. It is the best feeling ever to keep reading it

[ianweis]

So interesting. My mother entrusted me with some very old books that were crumbling apart. I dont think theyre anything particularly noteworthy or valuable to anyone else, but Id love to see them restored. Before this video, I hadn't even considered they could somehow be brought back into readable condition. Thanks for sharing.

[kalayne]

Having worked in all kinds of libraries and having loved books all my life, I would give anything to have my life again and learn this amazing craft. What a set of skills. I love her reverance for each book. Thank you for posting this. Thank you to all conservators working away behind the scenes to restore history for us and the future.

[rafflesmaos]

My maternal grandparents were bookbinders, and they both passed away when I was very little. This is really interesting insight into some of what they might have been doing, thanks!

[jopo]

Having a book restoration expert on is a novel idea.

[simongee]

The point that she adapts tools to suit her own particular needs is the sign of a proper craftsperson.

[rkm]

As a followup to this, you should tour the Boston Athenaeum restoration and special libraries. It's a wonder and they have an event once a year or so where members can go in and make their own books. :)

[lowans]

Having a book restoration expert that is not a serial killer : thumbs up

[phredbookley]

I love books and I love libraries. It's silly to me that I've never heard of this before today. Thank you for all that you do!