Video: Page corner repair

Watch Helen carefully replace a torn off corner with new paper

Using fine Japanese handmade paper, Helen carefully matches the shape of the tear using a water pen (which leaves no residual marks), to create a bespoke corner which is then attached to the page with wheat starch paste. By tearing, rather than cutting, the paper a fibrous edge is created which makes a better bond with the original page leaving no ridge along the join. Once the paste is dry Helen will trim the repair to align with the original page. The whole process, condensed into this 3:06 minute video, takes much longer and calls for skill and patience.