Museums and historic buildings could be at risk by hosting concerts and events, according to new research by Historic Royal Palaces (HRP.
Researchers found that the impact of vibrations caused by the summer music festival at Hampton Court Palace could lead to damage to window panes. Low-level vibrations from rock and pop music in particular were shown to potentially cause damage near the stage area.
Adrian Phillips, the surveyor of the fabric at HRP, told Museums Journal that the monitoring of sound levels over the past three years had allowed HRP to build a good record of noise levels and to put damage-limitation systems in place.
"The evidence at the moment is that there is very little damage, but there is the potential for damage," Phillips said. He added that the effect of the vibrations structurally were "practically insignificant".
The report was commissioned three years ago because of anecdotal evidence of some damage to the fabric of the buildings including cracked panes and damage to the brickwork.
In 2006-07, income from functions and events across HRP sites was nearly £5m. Phillips said he saw no need to reduce or limit the number of concerts.
Alastair McCapra, the chief executive of the Institute of Conservation, said that institutions needed to think carefully about access versus the conservation of historic buildings, but added that the two issues are not irreconcilable. "It does cause problems but we're not against the use of buildings for these purposes, as long as it's thought through."
The use of sound curtains and other preventative measures has helped reduce the risk at the Royal Palaces, according to Phillips. He said that a noise limit had been imposed on all concerts and that they were working with sound engineers and artists to reduce noise levels. "It's important that we talk to the sound engineer for each concert," he added.
More research will now be carried out at the Tower of London to check if the stonework has been damaged by concerts and events.
Phillips said HRP was keen to disseminate details of the research to other heritage organisations and would publish the research in full. In the meantime, enquiries can be made to the surveyors of the fabric department at Hampton Court Palace.
Sharon Heal
Researchers found that the impact of vibrations caused by the summer music festival at Hampton Court Palace could lead to damage to window panes. Low-level vibrations from rock and pop music in particular were shown to potentially cause damage near the stage area.
Adrian Phillips, the surveyor of the fabric at HRP, told Museums Journal that the monitoring of sound levels over the past three years had allowed HRP to build a good record of noise levels and to put damage-limitation systems in place.
"The evidence at the moment is that there is very little damage, but there is the potential for damage," Phillips said. He added that the effect of the vibrations structurally were "practically insignificant".
The report was commissioned three years ago because of anecdotal evidence of some damage to the fabric of the buildings including cracked panes and damage to the brickwork.
In 2006-07, income from functions and events across HRP sites was nearly £5m. Phillips said he saw no need to reduce or limit the number of concerts.
Alastair McCapra, the chief executive of the Institute of Conservation, said that institutions needed to think carefully about access versus the conservation of historic buildings, but added that the two issues are not irreconcilable. "It does cause problems but we're not against the use of buildings for these purposes, as long as it's thought through."
The use of sound curtains and other preventative measures has helped reduce the risk at the Royal Palaces, according to Phillips. He said that a noise limit had been imposed on all concerts and that they were working with sound engineers and artists to reduce noise levels. "It's important that we talk to the sound engineer for each concert," he added.
More research will now be carried out at the Tower of London to check if the stonework has been damaged by concerts and events.
Phillips said HRP was keen to disseminate details of the research to other heritage organisations and would publish the research in full. In the meantime, enquiries can be made to the surveyors of the fabric department at Hampton Court Palace.
Sharon Heal
