This is probably to late for your project, but I restored a rolltop desk. I used normally pva glue and it worked fine. I suppose Animal hide glue would be traditional, but thats up to you. Mail me if you want to know anything more.

Anthony

I'm doing up an old English rolltop desk. Can anyone tell me if there are any special knacks to regluing the slats onto a new canvas back? Eg, what sort of glue; is it best to stretch the canvas in a frame? Any advice much appreciated.
Gary Brabham
Mt Lawley WA