Sunlight is destroying priceless specimens
This article was created by The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). It originally appeared in the IHBC NewsBlogs.
On 27 July 2016, The Telegraph reported a case of building restoration where the cleaning of the dilapidated glass roof of Oxford’s Natural History Museum, as part of its £2m restoration, let in so much sunlight that the museum’s priceless specimens suffered ‘rapid and irreversible’ damage.
The Telegraph wrote:
When Oxford University unveiled the results of a £2 million project to restore the dilapidated glass roof of the city’s Natural History Museum, the curators claimed they had secured the future of the magnificent Victorian institution for generations to come.
But now university authorities have been forced back to the drawing board, after admitting that removing 150 years of dirt from the glass tiles that line the building’s roof has let in so much sunlight that the museum’s priceless specimens are suffering ‘rapid and irreversible’ damage.
See the full story
See Alison Richmond’s, ICON CEO response
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
[edit] External References
IHBC NewsBlogs - see: http://ihbconline.co.uk/newsachive/?p=13437
Daily Telegraph - see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk
IHBC NewsBlog
Old Sarum fire in listed (& disputed) WW1 Hangar - Wiltshire Council has sought legal advice after fire engulfed a listed First World War hangar that was embroiled in a lengthy planning dispute.
UK Antarctic Heritage Trust launches ‘Virtual Visit’ website area
The Trust calls on people to 'Immerse yourself in our heritage – Making Antarctica Accessible'
Southend Council pledge to force Kursaal owners to maintain building
The Council has pledged to use ‘every tool in the toolbox’ if urgent repairs are not carried out.
HE’s Research Magazine publishes a major study of the heritage of England’s suburbs
The article traces the long evolution of an internal programme to research 200 years of suburban growth
IHBC Context 183 Wellbeing and Heritage published
The issue explores issues at the intersection of heritage and wellbeing.
SAVE celebrates 50 years of campaigning 1975-2025
SAVE Britain’s Heritage has announced events across the country to celebrate bringing new life to remarkable buildings.
IHBC Annual School 2025 - Shrewsbury 12-14 June
Themed Heritage in Context – Value: Plan: Change, join in-person or online.
200th Anniversary Celebration of the Modern Railway Planned
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on September 27, 1825.
Competence Framework Launched for Sustainability in the Built Environment
The Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Edge have jointly published the framework.
Historic England Launches Wellbeing Strategy for Heritage
Whether through visiting, volunteering, learning or creative practice, engaging with heritage can strengthen confidence, resilience, hope and social connections.