The Leather Conservation Centre (Northampton, UK) has developed a treatment for acid deteriorated leather, commonly known as red rot, following a two year research project. This research was conducted by a leather chemist in conjunction with the University of Northampton (School of Leather Technology). Acid-deterioration occurs in vegetable-tanned leathers. Visible changes in the deteriorated leather include fine cracking, a powdery surface and complete or partial loss of the grain layer. The deteriorated leather shows a lower pH and a lower hydrothermal stability. Red rot leads to a total breakdown of historic leather and until now there has been no long-term effective solution. The treatment has been stringently tested and works by reducing the acidity of the leather and stabilising the collagen fibres (as evidenced by a rise in the PH and shrinkage temperature). The treatment was tested by conservators at the British Library and results were consistent with the research findings. The red rot treatment is currently only available from the Leather Conservation Centre, however we are gathering expressions of interest from conservators who would benefit from a course on the causes and treatment of acid deteriorated leather. If you feel such a course would be of interest to you or your organisation please contact us at i...@leatherconservation.org<mailto:i...@leatherconservation.org>
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