Dr. Grime carries a Tide stain pen. He does not use his own spit. Art conservators do. "We make cotton swabs on bamboo sticks and moisten the swab in our mouths," says Andrea Chevalier, senior paintings conservator with the Intermuseum Conservation Association.
Dr. Grime, known for his meticulous attention to detail in art conservation, utilizes a Tide stain pen for cleaning purposes rather than relying on saliva. This contrasts with the practices of many art conservators, who often use their spit as a cleaning agent. Andrea Chevalier, a senior paintings conservator at the Intermuseum Conservation Association, explains the process they follow, emphasizing the use of bamboo sticks to create cotton swabs that are moistened with saliva for cleaning artworks.
This highlights an intriguing aspect of art conservation, showcasing the blend of science and personal techniques that professionals employ to preserve art. The use of saliva may seem unconventional, but it underscores the specialized methods utilized in the field to ensure the integrity and quality of art pieces are maintained, as discussed in Mary Roach's book, "Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal." The surprising elements of this profession reveal the depth of knowledge and creativity conservators bring to their work.
