Codex Conservation Ltd.

10 Apr 2025

At the Conservation Studio, we safeguard history by preserving library and archive materials with expert care. From priceless manuscripts and rare books to maps, ephemera, and parchment documents, we ensure that every piece is treated with the highest conservation standards.

Our expertise ranges from providing specialist conservation for individual items, and collection backed by detailed documentation. We provide a full photographic record of the work before and after treatment. We specialise in the conservation of complex binding structures. We are fully insured and provide the highest standards of care.

We also provide Collection Care advice, which may include condition assessments; supporting exhibitions; and handling guidance for entire collections. Our expert advice can also be used to support funding applications and provide training for professionals & volunteers.

Whether restoring a fragile manuscript or advising on long-term collection care, we help institutions, collectors, and archives protect their most valuable collections for future generations.

Hampton Court Travel Poster – Recto Before Conservation Treatment

The poster was in a poor condition after long term storage in a damp environment. It was dirty, mould damaged, stained and the support board had warped and cockled. It needed to be prepared for exhibition and safe handling after donation to the Special Collections at Goldsmith’s University.

Hampton Court Travel Poster – Recto After Conservation Treatment

After removing the surface dirt, the poster was removed both from its warped backing board and the linen linings so that it could be washed.

Henry VIII - Assertio Septem Sacrament – Before Conservation Treatment

This unique binding had a previously failing repair. The conservation treatment was to reuse all of the existing binding parts, but removing the acidic and brittle reback which lay underneath. The board and first pages were largely detached, and the sewing broken. It is one of the treasures of The London Library special collections.

Henry VIII - Assertio Septem Sacrament - New Sewing

The spine was cleaned and the degraded leather removed. The original spine was carefully put aside for reuse. The sewing was recreated, following the existing pattern and holes and the cord supports used as the new board attachment. A papier mâché spine former was constructed to support the original spine leather.

Henry VIII - Assertio Septem Sacrament – After Conservation in its New Box

The previous 2-part slipcase was too small for the precious binding but as an essential part of its history it is kept alongside it in the new bespoke drop back box. The repaired binding is fully supported and the new archivally-tanned leather and sewing insures that it safe to handle and exhibit in the future.

Accounts of the Latymer Charity 1727-1804 Left Board Before Conservation

This unique parchment binding had been severely affected by mould damage. It had affect every part of the binding, including the internal sewing structure. Every part was fragile and at risk of loss, even with careful handling. It needed to be safe to digitise and was at risk of permanent loss.

Accounts of the Latymer Charity 1727-1804 Textblock Before Conservation

The pages of the book were extremely softened by the mould, and large portions of the pages were destroyed. It was necessary to stabilise the paper, before it could be repaired for rebinding.

Accounts of the Latymer Charity 1727-1804 Paper Repair of the Textblock

After resizing every page was repaired so that it could be safely handled and resewn. The mould was deactivated. It was important to preserve as much of the original text as possible.

Accounts of the Latymer Charity 1727-1804 Paper Repair of the Textblock

Here you can see the reconstructed binding, looking a great deal better. The holes in the spine and board covering have been repaired using cross grained handmade paper and toned Japanese tissues. All part of the binding are now in full working order.

Accounts of the Latymer Charity 1727-1804 Paper Repair of the Textblock

The pages can now be safely handled ready for digitisation. The manuscript is accessible for future generations.

Browne Correspondence Volume 5, Townend – Binding Before Conservation

This unique binding includes the unique and interesting letters of the Browne family, who lived at Townend in the Lake District, a National Trust property. Its binding may have been created by George Browne himself and so even though it had fallen into disrepair, it was important to keep the binding parts whilst making the letters accessible.

Browne Correspondence Volume 5, Townend – Letters Before Conservation

The letters in the textblock were often extremely degraded with multiple holes and losses. They had been written in iron gall ink which is also very sensitive to moisture and has wax seals that needed protection.

Browne Correspondence Volume 5, Townend – Letters After Conservation

Here you can see the repaired letters, which have been attached to guards of archival paper. There are also seal guards to protect the wax seals. The pages are much more accessible and yet it was possible to reuse the boards, endpapers and spine.

Browne Correspondence Volume 5, Townend – Binding After Conservation

The binding had suffered many losses which have been repaired. The original tooling has been reused so that the over aesthetic of the binding is preserved.

Accredited members

Ann-Marie Miller ACR

London-based Ann-Marie Miller ACR has dedicated over 13 years to preserving history through her private workshop, Codex Conservation Ltd. With a background in the History of Art, Chemistry, and bookbinding, she holds an MA and PG Dip in Conservation from Camberwell College of Arts.

Her 25-year career spans freelance work, seven years at the British Library, and accreditation in 2007. Today, she leads a skilled team, serving museums, libraries, and private collectors, while also supporting exhibitions, teaching, and providing collection care advice. A mentor, assessor, and industry leader.

Client testimonials

The London Library has worked with Ann-Marie for a few years now and we’re very happy with her work, which is carried out to the highest standard. She’s run several training sessions, passing on her extensive knowledge and providing our team with a good understanding of effective conservation practice.

Michelle Hunter
Collections Manager, The London Library

I was in two minds…whether to look at the photos, but in the end I couldn’t help myself! They look absolutely amazing…each one revealed an exciting little detail. I’m full of admiration for how you’ve balanced retaining so many of the original features – from the consolidated torn paper on the boards through to the extended leather details on the spine which absolutely blew me away! It really is a beautiful piece of work

Emma Wright
Collections & House Manager, Townend, National Trust

Not having used the services of a conservator before I wasn’t sure what to expect but Ann-Marie could not have been more helpful at every stage…the end result is amazing. The [NASA Apollo] flight plan now seems somehow ’newer’ while still obviously being a well-used document. Ann-Marie constructed a bespoke museum grade box which complements it beautifully. If I’m…lucky enough to acquire something similar in…future I will not hesitate to get back in touch.

Steve Hill
Private Collector

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