Handling parchment documents

Made from animal skin, parchment is a material that has been highly processed to create a good writing surface.

A single sheet or skin is referred to as a ‘membrane’ and will vary in size according to the animal that it is made from (typically goat, calf, or sheep). Parchment-based document formats include single membranes, bundles, rolls and volumes. Seals are often found attached directly to a document surface (applied) or attached using a joining mechanism (pendant) to these formats.

Rolled documents are made by stitching membranes together, end-to-end, or by joining them together at the head using cord or twisted parchment. These areas are a weak point that are at risk of damage.

Though more durable than paper, parchment does not absorb inks and pigments (known as ‘media’) in the same way, which makes the media vulnerable. Additionally, parchment is sensitive to environmental conditions which can lead to changes in its shape and structure.

Handling different parchment document formats

Our parchment documents can be found in many different forms. These include:

Rolled parchment documents

The size, weight and condition of rolled parchment documents can present some handling challenges.

Handling rolled parchment documents

Learn how to handle rolled parchments safely and prioritise their conservation.

Parchment bundles

Parchment bundles come in a variety of sizes and weights, some of which may present handling issues.

Handling parchment bundles

Learn how to handle parchment bundles safely and prioritise their conservation.