Hi all. I´m in the process of copying a manuscript from the Middle Ages; the aim is to preserve the original and to have a source to duplicate for future research when needed.

The original is in overall good condition; graphics have an incredible gleaming paint but I´m afraid of a slight detaching tendency from paper base. The owners doesn´t consider to be worth to entrust the task to a professional restorer.

My problem is to keep the flatness of the subject plane. Sheets have a natural undulating, not so excessive but strong enough to impede a good work. I have thought on a tigh line flattening at the top and bottom of the opened book, but I dislike the idea of having the lines in the image. Size of the opened book (two pages per shot) is around 11x16".

What about ordering a coated sheet of glass to press the whole book? Have you tried it?

If you have experienced something similar, please give me your advice! Any idea would be a great help. Thank you very much.