As a form of energy, light has the potential to cause changes in objects that absorb it, including art and archival materials. Choose not to display valuable light-sensitive objects. Choose less valuable light-sensitive specimens for display with the understanding that they will suffer light damage. Light damages museum objects rather quickly, compared to other factors which conservators become distraught over, such as RH.
Your aim in caring for your collection should be to carry out preventive tasks so that treatment is not needed. Damage to museum objects due to light exposure occurs by two processes: photochemical action and radiant heating effect. Key … These agents of deterioration are: Incorrect temperature that can be: too high . The light damage calculator provides an estimate of the fading of colours exposed to light, based on the best available data. For many years it has been recognised that one of the major causes of damage to museum objects and other sensitive objects, soft furnishings etc. Key … Because of their history, even in the In, Lighting in Museums, Galleries and Historic Houses. 3-16. that act on objects causing chemical, physical, and biological damage. Measurements can be taken of the proportion of UV present (µW/lumen), the total amount of UV (mW/M²) MEASURING LIGHT LEVELS. It is a crucial part of life itself, and the very essence of art in general and photography in particular. For those spaces, objects less susceptible to light damage should be chosen for exhibition. 1987: Damage to museum objects by visible radiation (light) and ultraviolet radiation (UV)
London: Museums Association, UKIC, and Group of Designers and Interpreters for Museums, 1987, pp. The palest square in the centre of each of the seven cloth samples on the left has been exposed to thirty million lux hours of fluorescent light (there is much more about lighting units later). The basic physical processes are defined, and the effects of ultraviolet (uv), luminous flux and infrared (IR) exposure on object degradation are examined.
Keep light-sensitive items in darkened storage, preferably in opaque containers.
Many objects will come to your museum collections damaged and deteriorated from use and expos ure. object may look the same, once damage has occurred, an object will never be the same. Lighting within museum exhibition spaces may be divided into two general categories: ambient lighting of the overall space and task lighting of the artifacts. The most damaging part is its ultraviolet content. Faced with this fact, museum professionals responsible for conserving collections occasionally suggest, facetiously, that the objects in their care would be better off kept in the dark in a rigorously controlled climate.
The damage is cumulative and causes irreversible losses to collections. Note: Light damage is cumulative and also depends on intensity and duration of exposure. 3-16. In, Lighting in Museums, Galleries and Historic Houses. Light. In other words, dim light over a long period of time is just as damaging as bright light over a short period of time. The basic physical processes are defined, and the effects of ultraviolet (uv), luminous flux and infrared (IR) exposure on object degradation are examined. is the effect of light radiation. Visible light levels are measured by a light meter in lux or foot-candles.
Make light-sensitive items available for study only, upon request.
Damage to museum objects due to light exposure occurs by two processes: photochemical action and radiant heating effect. Michalski, S. "Damage to Museum Objects by Visible Radiation (Light) and Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)." London: Museums Association, UKIC, and Group of Designers and Interpreters for Museums, 1987, pp. Because of this, warm light (2800K) is preferred by the museum community (when the lux levels are low). Cooler light (3500-5000K) will increase the contrast of objects, which may be desirable but may also alter the appearance of the object. causing gradual disintegration, discoloration, expansion of certain materials and increased pest activity. Michalski, S. "Damage to Museum Objects by Visible Radiation (Light) and Ultraviolet Radiation (UV)."