Back a Book
Through careful monitoring and professional conservation of the books, manuscripts and prints in the Pepys Library and the Old Library, we can ensure that these items are studied and exhibited for years to come.
You can be part of this preservation of history by 'backing a book' - supporting an item in our historic collections which is in need of professional conservation. On this page, we have selected items which are in need of repair for you to choose from and the cost of sponsorship.
Items for Conservation
The Magdalene Part Books, Old Library
The Magdalene Part Books are a set of five manuscript part books containing English instrumental music of the late seventeenth century, principally in the hand of Charles Babel. It contains compositions by Henry Purcell, John Eccles, Finger, Lenton and Barrett.
The complete set of five volumes are in need of cleaning and need boxes to protect the sensitive nature of the vellum bindings. Additionally, the first volume needs repair work to the spine, including a new spine lining and supporting structure.
Costs to conserve:
£455 (Repair of the first volume and box to be made)
£770 (cleaning of the other four volumes and boxes to be made)
A New College 'Order Book'
We wish to commission a new College Order Book, due to our current order book coming to an end. This is our most ambitious project of the year and will become a lasting piece of college history in our archives collection. The Order Book is a record of admission of Fellows and key decisions of the College. Over the Years, the Order Books have recorded the disciplinary appearance of Samuel Pepys before the tutors, the change from Roman to Arabic numerals in the accounts and the admission of Honorary Fellows such as Nelson Mandela, TS Eliot and Carol Ann Duffy. The new Order Book will be 'springback' bound in leather and decorated with the same style of leather tooling to match the preceding volumes.
Cost to conserve: £875.00
Back A Book
If you would like to back a book, please complete the online donation form.
Back A Book Donation FormAlternatively, if you would prefer to send a cheque please download complete and return the paper donation form.
For those who support the conservation of an item in full, we will recognise your generous contribution in the following ways:
- a 'Conservation Report' outlining the work undertaken on the item, with 'before and after' photos for personal study
- acknowledgement in the online catalogue record of the book, if applicable (currently printed books only)
- an acknowledgement in the Pepys Library section of the college website and the 'Friends of the Pepys Library' Newsletter
The 'lead time' for the conservation may vary, especially in the unlikely event of an emergency repair arising. However, we will keep in contact with you regarding the estimated timescale.
Friends of the Pepys
Back a Book is run in parallel with our Friends of the Pepys Library and Historic Collections scheme. You do not need to be a member to back a book.
If you are interested in joining the Friends of the Pepys to keep up to date with news from the historic libraries please visit the Friends of the Pepys webpage or contact the Coordinator of the Friends Library at pepysfriends@magd.cam.ac.uk.