Atelier Quillet: Document Restoration and Bookbinding in Loix – Île de Ré
Artisanal expertise, practiced by more than 30 professionals in bookbinding and restoration.
A true national leader, Atelier Quillet stands out for its traditional craftsmanship, practiced daily by forty professionalsacross various trades: restoration of works and iconographic documents, bookbinding, gilding… With patience and meticulous care, expert hands breathe new life into books, antique maps, engravings, and documents from heritage collections, museums, libraries, archives, and private individuals.
Unique expertise for all your documents:
- Regardless of their type: posters, maps, scrolls, ledgers, library books…
- Regardless of the material: laid rag paper, bond paper, tracing paper, parchment, leather
- Regardless of the type of collection: public or private.
Our team of qualified professionals adheres to the specifications of the Archives de France and those of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France (BNF).
Every project is based on two essential principles: the neutrality of materials and the reversibility of the adhesives. To ensure long-lasting protection, we use exclusively natural raw materials : Japanese paper (made using traditional methods), linen thread, pure cotton canvas, and starch-based adhesives, etc.
When you entrust a document to Atelier Quillet, you can be sure it will be preserved for generations to come thanks to our meticulous handcrafted work.
Living Heritage Company
Founded in 1987 and certified in 2007 Living Heritage Company, Atelier Quillet is one of the last in France to specialize in the restoration of documents, antique books, and bookbinding.
The stages of restoration
Cleaning and dusting
The first essential step before restoring documents is to use a non-abrasive eraser on the paper and remove dust with a suitable brush.
Restoration of building structures
Depending on the extent of the paper's deterioration, the sheet (or document) is backed locally or over its entire surface and/or the missing sections are filled in to reinforce the weakened areas.
Sewing
All our bindings are hand-sewn using traditional techniques that have been used for centuries: sewn on the spine, with string, or ribbon—from the oldest documents to the present day.
Binding
Once the paper has been restored and the document bound, the book is then bound using the original method. When having your book rebound, you can choose from a variety of cover materials: full cloth in the color of your choice, full leather, half-leather, marbled paper, or parchment… for a unique and personalized document!
Gilding
After binding, the title is stamped directly onto the binding or onto a piece of leather. The gilding is done by hand using a gilding tool.
Bookbinding Restoration
We restore all types of book bindings, using the original techniques and materials. Depending on the condition of the cover, our recommendations vary: restoring the headbands and corners, reinforcing the spine, filling in gaps in the leather…
Mounting and Japanese-style lining of documents
After dusting, cleaning, and flattening the paper, wet cleaning may be considered depending on the stability of the inks. To reinforce the document, it is backed with Japanese paper or mounted on canvas. Color retouching may then be performed depending on the condition of the document.
Parchment Restoration
Cleaning and dusting of parchments, humidification in a controlled humidity chamber, tension-flattening of the parchment, and filling and/or lining of gaps and tears in the parchment with Japanese paper or parchment.
Quote for restoration and binding
We work with a wide range of cultural and heritage institutions, such as the Senate, departmental and municipal archives, as well as public libraries and private individuals—whether they are collectors, enthusiasts, or simply committed to preserving a family document.
When you entrust us with a document, you’re choosing precision, high standards, and passion.
Individuals
We invite you to visit our store to pick up your documents and discuss the work that needs to be done.
From the restoration of your books, posters, prints, tracings, and parchments to the creation of a custom-bound volume from your writings, we will advise you on the steps needed to showcase and preserve your documents.
Institutions
Our sales representatives travel throughout France to meet with you and are available to discuss your needs and review your documents.
We handle the transportation of orders to our workshop, ensuring the complete security and confidentiality of the documents entrusted to us (registers, plans, stencils, parchments, etc.).