How did you clean things?
Maria Jordan, conservation studio manager: “This dolls’ house wasn’t designed as a children’s play-thing; it was created to teach wealthy young women how to run a household, so it’s been well looked after over the years. But at nearly 300 years old, some of its delicate materials have started to degrade. This includes its four extraordinary four poster beds with silk damask hangings.”
Conservators gently removed surface dirt from the beds using low suction vacuuming tools followed by polyurethane sponges. Some items were ‘wet cleaned’ too, which involved soaking them in a tray to release dirt in the fabric’s fibres. A conservation grade detergent was then applied using a fine sponge to remove soiling that had built up over the years.
Any discoveries?
Jane Smith, senior conservator: “Often, doing conservation work allows you to look at the objects really closely, and you discover things as you’re working. We were very excited with the red and yellow bed when we saw the top of the tester. The card on there is made from uncut Georgian playing cards. To see these lovely designs was a real find for us.”