David Ashman - Book Conservator

In this track, recorded on World First Folio Day, 23 April 2023, we hear from David Ashman, recently retired manager of Conservation & Digital Preservation at Auckland Libraries. In 2022, David was able to complete required conservation work on the First Folio, in this talk he describes the background and processes involved in the care of this precious taonga. You can view a digital copy of the Auckland Libraries' First Folio here: https://kura.aucklandlibraries.govt.nz/digital/collection/rarebooks/id/12779/rec/1 or check digital comparisons: www.firstfolios.com Watch David talk with pictures about his treatment of the Folio here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzVd_Qv_q-A Find out more about Folio 400 here: https://folio400.com/celebration-2023/ Read more here: http://heritageetal.blogspot.com/2023/05/readers-and-readings-traces-of-use-in.html "At the start of Mr. William Shakespeares comedies, histories & tragedies, otherwise known as the ‘First Folio’, there’s a note from Shakespeare’s former colleagues to the book’s potential consumers. “To the great Variety of Readers”, it begins, before outlining the reasons people might want to buy – and read – this unprecedented collection of plays". Image: David Ashman presents at World First Folio Day, April 2023. Photograph by Jane Wild. Music Credit: Seringapatam composed by Bruce Paine played by Chris Everest at Auckland Libraries Heritage Concert 2023