Environmental Monitoring of Room 308 Fiona Wain and Gennifer Majors Preventive Conservation Anita Quye

Welcome to Room University Gardens The building was built between 1882 and Windows: South West Florescent lighting Radiators under the windows

Built-In Issues Fireplace Single-pane windows Radiator location Signs of water ingress: a not- so-hidden water leak? Unpredictable lighting

Expectations and Monitoring Due to the four large windows in the room, we expected the light levels to be high. Temperature would be expected to drop and RH% rise at night. The way that the room is used will affect the temperature and relative humidity. Humbug and Luxbug monitors were placed on the fireplace, as this a level that objects would be displayed at. Spot checks were carried out in different places around the room to see the levels that objects would be exposed to, including objects placed in a display case.

Results: Spot Checks

Results: Luxbug and Humbug

Data Examinations: Light Levels There was a peak of indoor lux levels from Friday 28 February to Sunday 2 March. Approximate relative lux levels: 875 lux, 475 lux, 525 lux Relative outdoor weather conditions: Sunshine and showers, partial sun and showers, partial sun and showers. There was a defined low point of lux levels from Thursday 13 to Sunday 16 March. Approximate relative lux levels: 75 lux, 25 lux, 0 lux, 125 lux Relative outdoor weather conditions: Cloudy, partial sun and showers, showers, partial sun and showers.

Data Examinations: Light Levels For comparison, data was pulled up from Wednesday 12 March showing medium lux levels. Approximate lux levels: 250 lux Outdoor weather conditions: full sun

Data Examinations: Light Levels Peak lux levels were measured on a whole weekend during partial sun and showers. The lowest lux levels were measured on another whole weekend during partial sun and showers. Meanwhile, medium lux levels were measured on a weekday, but during full sun. These disparities support the prediction that the windows can be a problem area for lux levels. The window shades greatly affect the amount of light in the measured area. However, they are often raised or lowered and can be left in these positions for long periods of time (i.e. over the weekend). Here, this has caused significantly higher lux levels on a cloudy day than on a day with full sun.

Data Examinations: RH & Temperature Temperature and relative humidity rising at the same time: Monday 24 th to Friday 28 th February. Temp. range: 13.1°C to 23.5°C. RH range: 35.3% to 65.6%. Relative outdoor weather conditions: Showers, overcast, sunshine, heavy rain and wind. Temperature and relative humidity acting as expected: 8 th to 9 th March. Temp. range: 13.6°C to 16.8°C. RH range: 35.7% to 54.7%. Relative outdoor weather conditions: Overcast, sunshine and rain.

Data Examinations: RH and Temperature Due to the use of the room, the temperature and relative humidity tend to rise at the same time in the middle of the day. This is visible on week days:

Data Examinations: RH and Temperature The lowest temperatures are measured at the end of the weekend, this corresponds with higher relative humidity, and is due to lack of use of the room.

General Explanations: Room Activity Flow of people into and out of the room during certain parts of the week Generally on a 2 hour on/1 hour off schedule Can affect lighting Raising or lowering of blinds Manual and automatic lights turned on or off Can affect temperature Doors and windows opened or closed Body heat increasing temperature Can affect humidity Doors and windows opened or closed, changing air flow Moisture brought in on clothes

General Explanations: Local Weather Room is unoccupied during the weekend and at night During this time, the heaters are turned off and there is no extra heat from warm bodies. Temperatures measured in the room during these periods come close to the outdoor temperatures. The relative humidities measured during these periods also emulate the outdoor humidities. Sunlight levels Sunlight levels varied throughout the measuring period. However, even partial sun caused very high light levels.

General Explanations: Local Weather

General Explanations: Problem Areas Relative humidity An improperly blocked fireplace, single-pane windows, radiator location, a closed and locked door, and signs of water ingress would affect RH. Lighting Levels Unpredictable sun, unpredictable room lighting, and shifting window shades would affect light levels. Temperature Drafty single-pane windows and a closed and locked door would affect temperature.

How to Improve Room 308 Building Maintenance. UV filters on windows. Monitor use of window blinds, possible use of double blinds. Change lighting to LED bulbs (no UV emissions). Leaving the door open to increase air-circulation. Monitor heating to maintain a constant temperature.

Bibliography 3A Blinds. “Double Roller Blinds.” last modified melbourne/ melbourne/ AccuWeather.com. “Glasgow, GB: Local Weather.” last modified 26 March, Helle, Jani. “19 th Century University Gardens.” Photos from Glasgow University. November Knole Conservation Team Blog. “The Ultraviolet Threat!” posted October 2, Lamb, Suzie. Introduction to preventive conservation at Pollok House lecture. 13 March Met Office. “Weather Data: Past Weather Data for Students.” last modified March National Trust. The National Trust Manual of Housekeeping: care and conservation of collections in historic houses. London: National Trust, World Weather Online. “Glasgow (G20) Historical Weather, Lanarkshire.” last accessed 26 March