Lack of visitors increases the need for dusting in museums

DAMAGING dust could settle in museums and galleries without crowds of visitors to disturb it, V&A experts have warned.

Noisy huddles of visitors squeezing into bustling cultural tourist traps may not be considered the ideal of a pleasant museum experience.

But without the disruptive crowds keeping particles moving, dust can settle on objects in priceless collections.

Experts have warned that seemingly innocuous dust can be damaging these cultural treasures, building up on delicate surfaces, and becoming difficult to get rid of.

There is concern over the build-up of undisturbed dust in empty galleries across the UK. Curators at the V&A Museum in London have warned of the problem, which will require a spring clean of sites before the public can return to once again keep motes from settling.

“When the museum is closed less dust is created,” said Heather Harris, the V&A director of conservation and collections management. “But dust that is already in the air can settle because there is less air movement. Dust can be unsightly, and if not addressed over time, can pose risks for delicate surfaces. For example, dust on textile surfaces can stick and become more difficult to remove.

“This is particularly the case if humidity is high or fluctuating.”

Priceless items from the National Gallery’s paintings to the ancient artefacts of the British Museum may face the problem.

It is understood that dust particles can become ingrained in objects making them very difficult to remove, and organic material in dust can be abrasive to the delicate surfaces beneath.

At the V&A steps have been taken to protect the collection, and casing may protect many objects. Ms Harris said: “We are also closely monitoring the environmental conditions within galleries to check that humidity and temperature are constant, and any risks to objects on open display minimised.

“Before the museum was closed in March due to Covid-19, we took the added precaution of covering our most vulnerable objects to protect them from dust. We still have some staff on site cleaning, checking and maintaining the museum and ensuring safety of our collections.

“We will also implement a comprehensive cleaning programme before reopening.”