When it comes to preserving the palaces’ interiors and their objects, preventive conservation is a development of what is still widely known in the world of heritage as ‘good housekeeping’.

Preventing harm

As the name suggests, our conservators' aim is to prevent any harm coming to the palaces’ objects by taking precautions against damage. These are widely known as the 'agents of decay' and commonly include:

• Direct physical forces
• Theft and vandalism
• Fire
• Water
• Pests
• Contaminants such as dust
• Radiation (light)
• Incorrect temperature
• Incorrect relative humidity

Dust, for example, is commonly perceived to be relatively harmless, if unsightly, but it is actually quite damaging to a variety of objects in different ways. 

It absorbs moisture and pollutants and can serve as food for pests and if left, can cement itself to a hard surface, making it impossible to remove. So rather than waiting to act until an object is in need of repair or restoration, preventive conservators regularly remove dust before its effects are felt.

Countering the agents of decay

We also work to counter the other common causes of damage. We control the amount of light either by using blinds or by applying ultra violet film to the windows.

We regularly monitor insect and other pest activity. We also use radiators with conservation thermostats to regulate the humidity and temperature surrounding the collections. 

One might say a preventive conservator could be compared to a nutritionist, providing a balanced diet for a healthy lifestyle.