Studying Restoration: A Glimpse into Laura’s Life as a Paper Conservation Student

What Makes Paper Conservation Unique?

Laura carefully aligns the cover of a damaged 19th-century textbook. On the table: strips of leather, delicate paper fibers, glue, and pigments. Layer by layer, the book is coming back to life.

“Yesterday I made one of the missing parts with leather I dyed myself. It all has to look original – but it’s new. It’s so aesthetic.”

Paper conservation is one of the most meticulous and demanding disciplines at the academy. Students not only master traditional handcraft techniques but also study materials science, art history, and the ethics of conservation.

Studying While Commuting

Laura commutes daily from Lower Austria – a challenge in itself: “With the long commute, it can get really intense.”

Still, her decision is clear: “I know for sure that I want to keep doing this. It’s important to me. Also for my kids – because I know this will give me a stable job in the future.”

Life in the Workshop

In the studio, precision is everything: Laura dyes leather to match the original book spine, applies thin layers of paper, and carefully reconstructs bindings. “It all has to look like the original – even though it’s newly made.”

Motivation and Meaning

Despite the demanding workload, Laura finds deep fulfillment in her work and in the atmosphere at the academy: “Sometimes it’s really hard. But then I remind myself: this is why I’m doing it. Because I really care.”

Tip for future students:

“You need patience – but it’s so worth it.”