Daily clean + winding clocks
During the open season, I start the day by dusting and hoovering the show rooms with my partner in crime Susan, another Conservation Assistant. The dusting gives us the chance to condition check the items, meaning I know the collection like the back of my hand. However, you never know what you might find - such as bats in the West Corridor bathroom - often we call on a Ranger after a tiny ball of fluff and wings falls out of the blinds and onto the historic lino! We also work on specific parts of the collection, such as winding the clocks each week. Susan, who has worked at Felbrigg for 30 years, has been passing her knowledge onto me about how to look after the historic clocks, something I find fascinating.
My favourite part of the day is opening up the front door to the Hall and looking out over the beautiful estate. It is often early enough in the morning for nobody to be around, and you can almost imagine you were a housemaid in the 1800’s or the lady of the house if you are feeling particularly grand that day!
Light/Humidity spot checks
Once the house is open, any conservation work that I do in front of our visitors is a good chance to engage them with the work that the National Trust does. I often do light and humidity spot checks in front of our visitors - it is important that light levels are kept down, so that none of our beautiful objects fade. I also check the relative humidity levels, as when it is too dry, objects may crack and warp or if it is too damp, mould can grow and pests thrive.
Sweeping in the clock tower