Amy Heslip: Conservation of a Ripley Scroll

The Ripley Scrolls are manuscripts which illustrate the pursuit of the Philosophers Stone. George Ripley was an Augustine Monk from Yorkshire (c.1415-1490) but was additionally renowned as an alchemist. His name is associated with these scrolls as his allegorical poetry is included in many of the versions. There are approximately 21 scrolls worldwide, produced after Ripley’s death, dated from the 16th-17th centuries.

The Wellcome Library holds two of these scrolls, MS692 and MS693 and they are listed in the library catalogue as being on restricted access due the fragile nature of the items. They are dated to the 17th century, a copy of a 15th century copy, and are water colour, wash and ink on heavy weight handmade wove paper. Both scrolls are mounted on linen and are stored rolled with wooden rollers at each ends, housed in wooden boxes. They are long with dimensions of 3280 x 400mm

One of the scrolls was heavily damaged and both were water sensitive and tested positive for iron gall ink. The paper will outline with thought process and treatment the scrolls underwent.