The Hall in hibernation?
This winter will see the redecoration of the principal bedroom at Croxteth Hall.
Removing paintings and furniture involves a dedicated team from National Museums Liverpool who are trained to handle and pack delicate objects. The pieces that are moved have to be recorded and prepared for storage.
The most difficult piece to prepare is a huge wardrobe. It comes apart in sections. The wardrobe top and outer cupboards have been taken out and stored elsewhere, but difficulties with the middle section made it impossible to remove, so the base and mid-section will have to stay in situ whilst the room is painted. Protective layers of tissue and plastic have been wrapped over this section of the wardrobe.
Decorators working in heritage or museum settings have to operate within very carefully set guidelines. What is acceptable practise in homes or offices is not necessary suitable for a Stately Home. Historic collections need specific protection and so the decorators undertaking the work will be a specialised firm working in carefully controlled conditions.
Once the decorating in a room is finished, the museum pieces cannot be replaced until a period of 'off gassing' has allowed all paint fumes to disperse. These fumes would be particularly detrimental to the paintings.
Whilst the Hall is closed for winter, all aspects of housekeeping can be undertaken. Furniture and artefacts are dusted and polished if necessary; floors, walls, paintwork and doors are cleaned and fabrics checked for moth and vacuumed. The temperature and humidity (moisture content of the air) in the rooms is continuously monitored to ensure that the historic furniture and paintings are kept in good condition. Many of the smaller objects are safely packed away to keep them safe whilst the rooms are thoroughly cleaned.
It may seem that because the Hall is closed, it is in hibernation until next Easter. In reality it is a very busy time of year.
The large pictures below may take a little while to load. Please be patient.
Larger picture of wardrobe in pieces
Bed in Principal bedroom
Fireplace in Principal bedroom
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