From risking poison to poring over batik: A day in a heritage conservator's life

Textile conservator Geraldine Sim is preparing a ceremonial dodot for the ACM's upcoming exhibition, Batik Kita. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
The dodot measures 378cm by 210cm because it is meant to wrap around its wearer to add bulk during ceremonies. ST PHOTO: GAVIN FOO
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SINGAPORE - Risking poison is not what one expects from a museum job, but health hazards are all in a day's work for museum conservators at the Heritage Conservation Centre (HCC).

Antique clothing and fabrics can be deadly as they are coloured with dyes containing arsenic and other dangerous chemicals.

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