Describes the case history of an English vellum manuscript, the Ashmole Bestiary (ca. 1210), probably from the north Midlands or Lincoln. The 17th-century binding was in a poor condition; in particular there was severe damage from glue. The main problem, however, was the very bad pleats in the initial leaves. The pleats ran directly into the illuminations, which could cause serious flaking of the gold and pigments. Discusses the conservation options and the eventual treatment and rebinding of the manuscript, particularly the decision not to humidify the badly pleated leaves. -- ICCROM