Disaster planning, response and recovery

A fire inside Aithrey Castle, at Stirling University, left painted leather hangings, marble fire-places, a marble sculpture and an antique, heavily-carved door damaged by the thick smoke and the effects of heat. Conservators from AOC Archaeology Group carried out an assessment in the immediate aftermath of the fire, and subsequently cleaned the fittings, some on site, but the remainder in our laboratory.

After cleaning, it was observed by the AOC Conservators that damage might have been less if conservation-grade cleaning and maintenance materials had been used, so a maintenance manual was provided to the client for future management.

AOC Conservator: Amanda Clydesdale
Client: Stirling University