Damage assessment:
Dastardly stuff
Besides being unsightly, if dust is not removed from objects and surfaces it can sometimes cause a chemical reaction and cement to surfaces.
It can also absorb moisture and pollutants and serve as food for pests, all of which can damage objects in the long run.
Identifying the source:
It's you!
It’s difficult to avoid, but most dust comes from visitors as they move through the palace. The greatest amount is shed from people when they move quickly, bend over and take twists and turns.
Fighting dust:
The dirty war
Even the most careful cleaning can cause slight damage to objects. So our approach is to try to reduce the amount of dust falling on objects as much as possible.
We hold boisterous, dust-raising events outdoors. Indoor activities are held in rooms where objects are displayed high up or where objects are less susceptible to dust damage, like polished wood.
And we try to keep just enough distance between visitors and dust-sensitive objects to avoid them being affected.
Such preventive measures can halve conservators’ dusting hours and extend the life of the objects.
