[John Webb]

'Stately Homes' have similar problems of removing unwanted dust without disturbing delicate wood, plaster or ceramic mouldings. From what I've seen of the National Trust in 'behind the scenes' TV programmes, they seem to use small vacuum cleaners near the items, the dust actually being whisked into the air with small soft paintbrushes. Sometimes for really delicate items the end of the vacuum cleaner tube is covered with a fine gauze to control the airflow and prevent any large chips which might come off being lost. Perhaps the books the NT have written on maintenance techniques might be worth looking at?
Regards,
John Webb