Montastruc-la-Conseillère. The forgotten book of the old presbytery resurrected!

A singular story than that of this work discovered a few years ago under the attic of the old presbytery, on the ground, under the dust and pigeon droppings! Its inventor, Jacques Périno, recovered it and undertook an initial cleaning. He then discovered a printing date: 1618, Paris, Abel L’Angelier. The 800-page work contains several works by Ovid: “Metamorphoses”, “Discourses on Metamorphoses”, “The Judgment of Paris” and “The Book of Remedies Against Love”. A pen inscription on the first page provides information about the owner: Chastenet de Puységur. This is an old family of French nobility, one of whose members, Jean-Auguste, archbishop, was born and died in Rabastens. What circumstances led to this work being found alone and forgotten in the attic of the old presbytery? It remains a mystery!

Restoration

ASPAM (association for the preservation of the heritage of Montastruc), decides in 2023 to have it restored. The work is entrusted to Fabienne Morelli, professional bookbinder. The significant cost led the association to make several requests for subsidies. None succeeding, she then decides to take on the responsibility alone.

At the beginning of October, Fabienne Morelli gave the restored book to Jacques Périno, so that it will soon join the municipal library. Looking through the restoration report shows the extent of the work carried out. The original full-skin binding was riddled with bird droppings. Inside, some pages had traces of mold, insect bites, were creased or torn. A first unpinning operation allowed the sheets to be flattened for restoration. Dust and small waste were removed with a brush. Dirt and traces of mold were dry cleaned with a sponge eraser. Dubbing on Japanese paper was sometimes necessary. Finally the cover was redone in full calf, with gold leaf titling.

Good news, this new heritage treasure will be exhibited in Montastruc during the November book fair.