The Historical Archives of Macao has invited Ms. Barbara Hassel, a specialist in book and paper conservation from Germany, to give a public lecture on "Western Style Book Conservation (Germany)" in the reading room of the Archives on Tap Seac Square from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday, 8 September 2013.

At the lecture, Ms. Hassel will share her experiences in the conservation and restoration of paper art pieces and western ancient books and give an in-depth discussion on cases of various paper conservation techniques. Books in French-style full leather binding as well as tools and materials for bookbinding and paper restoration will also be displayed.

Ms. Barbara Hassel was the head of the Department for Book and Paper Conservation at the State Academy of Art and Design in Stuttgart, Germany, from 1993 to 1998. Since 2000, she has been teaching bookbinding and conservation courses in universities in Stuttgart, Germany, and Ascona, Switzerland. In 2011, Ms. Hassel was invited to teach in the 2nd Training Course on Western Ancient Book Conservation Techniques which was jointly organized by the China National Centre for Preservation and Conservation of Ancient Books, the library of Zhongshan University of Guangzhou and the library of the Goethe-Institut of Hong Kong.

Macao boasts profound cultures with time honored history and a rich collection of precious western documents. Protection of paper heritage is essential to the preservation and promotion of traditional culture. The public lecture will be given in English with Cantonese interpretation. All those interested in attending are invited to register. Entrance is free. For enquiries and registration, please call the Archives at 28592919 (during office hours) or email readingroom.ah@icm.gov.mo.