On October 29th, 2019, from 1:00-5:00PM, the David Rumsey Map Center will host a half-day symposium on chained bindings. This symposium will explore the materials and techniques used in chained bindings for medieval books, as well as the work of conserving and of reconstructing them in the modern era. This event is free and open to the public, but advance registration will be required. Please fill out this form if you would like to register.

This event provides us with the opportunity to engage with broader questions. For example, what does it mean to create a model of a chained binding in the modern world of digital materials, and what can we learn by doing so? What choices were made by the artisans who created these materials? How do libraries and museums assign value to objects and balance questions of security and conservation while providing access and availability?

The presence of several original chained bindings on codices in the Stanford collections testifies to the use of chains to secure valuable books to medieval library shelves. To explore both the materials and techniques used in their creation as well as the meaning and importance of this aspect of library and book history, Stanford Libraries is commissioning a handmade book with chained binding to be used as a teaching model.

The inspiration for this initiative was an original chained binding attached to the boards of a 15th-century manuscript of the biblical commentaries of Nicholas of Lyra (Stanford Libraries Manuscript Collection MSS codex M0413 FF BB) that is frequently used in instruction and teaching. This teaching model will contribute to the knowledge gained by working with the original codex and chained binding. The handmade book will be created by Karen Hanmer, a nationally-recognized book artist, working with Chicago metalsmith Joycelyn Merchant on the fastenings. The chain and clasp will be hand-forged by Celeste Flores, a Bay Area blacksmith. Aude Gabory, book conservator in the Department of Conservation who is treating MSS codex M0413, is consulting closely in the creation of this teaching model.