| KUSTODA
d.o.o. was founded in 2017. We specialize in the conservation and restoration
of paper, leather, parchment, cloth and silk-based books and archival
materials. Usually, we treat books, documents, decrees, newspapers, photo
albums or works of art, such as graphics, drawings, maps or technical
drawings. Occasionally, we also restore other items, such as uncommonly
shaped protective boxes, leather artifacts or technical drawings on tracing
paper. Restoration and conservation activities combine a wide range of knowledge, skills and techniques with hard work and a lot of patience in order to preserve a part of history and benefit for many years to come. |
| In
Croatia, there are hundreds of thousands of books, as well as an
extraordinary amount of archival materials and works of art on paper that are
considered part of Croatian national treasure and cultural heritage! Old and
rare Croatian books printed before 1850 that fall into the Rara category are
of particular importance, but there are also numerous rare and valuable
Croatian editions among the books printed after 1850. Documents that are more than 50 years old are classified as archival material, and therefore require special care, preventive conservation, preservation and restoration. That is necessary in order to protect them and extend their life through conservation and restoration procedures. Over time paper, leather, parchment and similar organic parts of books and archival materials as well as metal clasps and bosses are exposed to different influences such as the weather, adverse temperature or humidity conditions, improper handling, dust, impurities or inadequate storage. This results in mechanical or biological damage (insects, molds, rodents), and the occurrence of physicochemical degradation processes within the paper structure. Further deterioration of books and archival materials can be slowed down or stopped completely by means of timely and appropriate measures. |
| We
encourage you to contact us with any questions regarding any type of damaged,
partially destroyed or decaying materials in your possession! You can make a
difference for future generations by enabling them to witness the past and
admire books, archival materials and works of art on paper just as we do
now! We would be glad to help you, not only with conservation and restoration, but also by providing advice in case of any questions or concerns about what to do. We carry out the conservation and restoration activities in accordance with the professional and ethical guidelines. We use only top quality conservation materials from proven manufacturers and we have certificates proving their quality. All conservation and restoration procedures are reversible. |
| Employees Jelena Piasevoli Mikac, B.Sc. in Chemical Technology, senior conservator-restorer – director I have graduated from the Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology in Zagreb, obtaining the title: Bachelor of Science in Chemical Technology. I have been involved in conservation and restoration activities since 1997. I worked at the Central Laboratory for Conservation and Restoration of the Croatian State Archives in Zagreb, for 13 and a half years and as a freelancer for 7 years, until the founding of the KUSTODA d.o.o company. Throughout that period, I participated in numerous congresses, workshops and seminars, both in Croatia and abroad. |
| Velimir
Mikac, B.Sc. in Graphic Design, conservator-restorer I have graduated from the Faculty of Graphic Arts obtaining the title: Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. I have been working in the field of conservation and restoration since 2005. I have worked for the Central Laboratory for Conservation and Restoration of the Croatian State Archives in Zagreb, the National and University Library in Zagreb and the Croatian Conservation Institute, mostly as a bookbinder. I have worked as a freelancer since 2009. I have participated in many workshops and seminars, both in Croatia and abroad. |
| Martina
Petriček, restoration technician All my life I have been involved in some form of applied arts, but bookbinding has always been my great wish. At first, I was searching for sources and literature on bookbinding by myself… and in an instant I found myself in the KUSTODA company. The rest is history… |