Chester Beatty Talk ‘Uncovering Structure: The Conservation of an Islamic Bookbinding’
19 August, 6pm - 7pm
- Neill Lecture Theatre, Long Room Hub, Trinity College Dublin
- Trinity College Dublin, College Green, Dublin 2
- D02 DK07
- Co. Dublin – Dublin City
Cecilia Zoppi, Heritage Council Conservation Intern, Chester Beatty
The Heritage Council Conservation Intern, Cecilia Zoppi, presents a fascinating case study on the conservation of a magnificent, but fragile, bookbinding enclosing an important illuminated Arabic manuscript on occult science, produced in Cairo and dedicated to the Mamluk Sultan Qaytbay (1468–1495) (CBL Ar 4041). This talk offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making process, the technical challenges encountered, and the solutions developed to stabilise and preserve this remarkable object. Attendees will gain insight into both the material complexity of Islamic bindings and the practical realities of hands-on conservation work.
In collaboration with Trinity College Dublin.
About the Speaker:
Cecilia Zoppi joined the Chester Beatty in March 2026 as a Heritage Council Conservation Intern and developed a strong interest in Islamic manuscripts. She completed her MA in Book and Paper Conservation at the University of Turin, in collaboration with the Fondazione Centro per la Conservazione e il Restauro “La Venaria Reale”. As part of her post-graduation Erasmus+ traineeship, she trained in the conservation of Papyrus at the Conservation Department of the Universitätsbibliothek Leipzig.