Dust poses a risk to objects on open display, spoiling their appearance and necessitating cleaning. Over time deposits become more difficult to remove, risking damage to vulnerable substrates. An understanding of the sources and distribution of dust is needed to determine housekeeping resources and optimum intervals for cleaning. Dust particles were collected and analysed in four historic properties with a range of access arrangements. Results indicated that coarse particles at floor level rarely rise above 30 cm. Most of the dust on surfaces between waist and shoulder height consisted of fibres from visitors' clothing. The rate of coverage halved with every 50-cm distance between visitors and objects. Human activity produced higher levels of dust, for example visitor routes with multiple turns, and proximity of staff and interpreters to objects. To reduce deposition, fragile objects can be positioned further from visitors or given traditional covers. Thanks to a grant from the Leverhulme Trust, the mechanisms that attach dust to surfaces are now being studied, together with staff and visitor perceptions of dustiness.
This paper describes a project to reduce the excessive daylight exposure of an oil painting, Hambletonian, Rubbing Down, displayed at Mount Stewart, Northern Ireland. Climate-based daylight modelling (CBDM) was used to understand the light exposure of Hambletonian and to assess the impact of control measures on the annual light exposure and viewing condition of the painting in the winter months. The computer model was used in conjunction with measured lux data to establish the base case light exposure and the effect of the control measures. Light control was implemented through the use of darker paint finishes on the walls and ceiling, which reduced the amount of reflected light reaching Hambletonian;; and the addition of a mesh screen to the outside of the glazed dome above the painting. These interventions were cost-effective and straightforward to implement and manage. CBDM suggests the interventions reduced Hambletonian's annual daylight exposure from 3.5 mlxhr to 0.63 mlxhr.
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