Managing Dust in Historic Buildings

Kate Frame

Historic Royal Palaces, United kingdom

Surveys of dust deposition in a group of historic houses (Audley End, Knole, Hampton Court, Osterley Park) have revealed distinct patterns largely related to visitor activities. In particular, the research found dust increased with visitor numbers, the proximity of objects to visitors, and the complexity of visitor routes. This work was useful in providing insight into different ways of managing dust in historic houses. Reduction in dust levels is possible through, for example, the use of ropes and barriers to keep the public away from sensitive objects, traditional covers, managing visitor flow, positioning warding staff and sensitive location of visitor activities. This presentation explores how such research can be translated into housekeeping strategies, and the value of dust deposition surveys as a tool in directing historic house management.

Part 2: Slides from presentation

Author to whom correspondence may be addressed:

Kate Frame
Apt 59
Conservation and Collections Care
Historic Royal Palaces
Hampton Court Palace
Surrey KT8 9AU
United Kingdom

E-mail: Kate.Frame@hrp.org.uk