Cloak rooms

At Rouse Hill, a mid sized early 19th Century colonial house, the
carrying of anything larger than a small handbag significantly
increases risk to collection and decorative finishes of the fragile
and original interiors.

Regardless of signage indicating permissible size, the provision of
a secure staffed cloaking area and diplomatic explanations, the
request surprises, offends or angers many people.  All tours are
accompanied by staff, making this an issue primarily about
preventative conservation.

I am curious if other institutions encounter difficulties convincing
the general public to cloak bags before embarking on tours, and, if
so, how is this reluctance overcome?

Is this reluctance because it is a 'historic house'?

Matthew Scott
Housekeeper
Rouse Hill estate
Historic Houses Trust of NSW


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:17
                 Distributed: Tuesday, August 14, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-15-17-010
                                  ***