The role of Gille Schofield, Conservator for Northern Ireland.

'The daily life of a conservator is very varied, particularly between the open and closed seasons of the houses.  When I'm in the office, much of my time is spent reacting to requests for advice or information from the house staff.  This could be anything from a supplier's address for conservation materials (eg wax or linen tape) to asking what to do with a woodworm-infested floorboard in an attic.

Usually, though, I spend much of my time out at the houses.  My current concern at The Argory and Castle Coole is making sure that the heating is functioning properly in each of the rooms.  I also need to check on the sensors that monitor the humidity in the rooms.   Organic materials will sit happily in certain levels of humidity but will deteriorate outside of these, so it’s important to test the heaters and monitors every now and again, to see that they are working OK.

I check on the condition of particular items that are deteriorating, and occasionally I’ll bring in a private conservator who can treat them.  Other items may need more attention, so I have to establish a long-term plan of action, which usually includes searching for funding.  For example, a number of statues in the Italian Garden at Mount Stewart are damaged as a result of the salty sea air, and need some repair and protection.

Occasionally I can actually get my hands dirty and help the conservation staff in the houses to re-pack curtains or paintings to improve storage.  At Castle Coole I spent time re-packing and protecting furniture in the attic stores and display rooms in preparation for the big fire and security project, which is now complete.  I’ve also been advising on a big regional conservation and preservation project at the Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast, where the colourful painted ceiling and walls have been covered with black soot from the gas lamps and cigarette smoke.

At the beginning of the open season I normally try to give a talk to the guides about any damaged or vulnerable objects that I feel they need to be aware of.  We’ve also discussed pulling the blinds down when sunlight is streaming in through a window.   Many of the houses have weddings or other functions in certain rooms, so I usually work with the house staff to make sure that fragile items are removed beforehand, and that floors are protected.'