artprotect / LightControl A new device to monitor the impact of light developed by the CRCC in Paris with the support of AXA ART

Transcription

1 artprotect / LightControl A new device to monitor the impact of light developed by the CRCC in Paris with the support of AXA ART

2 Why LightControl was invented The origins of the project As part of our contribution to the preservation of cultural heritage, we support research in conservation through the framework of the AXA ART Research Grant. This grant is awarded for scientific studies that promise long-term contributions to preserving cultural assets. In this context, the Centre de Recherche sur la Conservation des Collections (CRCC) in Paris has received an AXA Art Research Grant to examine preventive measures to protect fine art photography and to invent an improved device to monitor the impact of light: LightControl. The CRCC is dedicated to the research of the preservation of cultural assets in museums, libraries, media libraries, and archives. It also coordinates an international project on the preservation of contemporary art. It is one of the rare research laboratories that works on the preservation of photographs in Europe. 2

3 Why LightControl was invented Impacts of light on photography Extended exposure to strong light may cause some artworks - especially the most sensitive objects such as graphic documents, photographs, and textiles - to undergo drastic changes such as discolouration fading yellowing brittleness Therefore, it is important to eliminate exposure to UV radiation as well as closely monitor light exposure on these types of works. 3

4 Why LightControl was invented Impacts of light on photography light fading weak light fading strong dark fading weak dark fading strong 4

5 Contents of the package A short guide in English and French including the colour scheme and explanation on how to use the devise. The LightControl stripe. You may cut this up into smaller pieces to have more and to make it less obvious when on display. Please note that they are not self-sticking in order to prevent possible damages caused by glue. You may attach them as you like and as suitable for the individual background. 5

6 LightControl is an indicator that exhibits a progressive and nonreversible colour change while exposed to light. It is designed to monitor lighting conditions over a one-year period and alerts collectors when sensitive artworks have been over-exposed to light. LightControl does not prevent damage from light, it is simply a warning system to alert you when current lighting conditions will result in noticeable damage of the artefacts. The Risk Scale Blue: less than 20,000 lux.hours Low Risk Purple: 20,000 to 40,000 lux.hours Moderate Risk Pink: 40,000 to 300,000 lux.hours High Risk Pale Pink: more than 300,000 lux.hours High Risk 6

7 Displaying and reading the indicator Place LightControl as close as possible to the object in order for it to be exposed to the same lighting conditions. Check the colour of the indicator on a regular basis. If the colour is blue after one year of exposure, the lighting conditions comply with international museum recommendations. This means that - providing the future conditions of display are similar - the risk of noticeable damage occurring within 100 years is low. 7

8 Displaying and reading the indicator When the indicator turns from blue to purple, the yearly display allowance has been spent, meaning that the object has been exposed to the maximum amount of light per year recommended by art experts. In this case the risk of having noticeable damage before 100 years in similar conditions of display is moderate. If this change occurs in less than twelve months, the object should be removed from the light immediately for the rest of the year. 8

9 Displaying and reading the indicator If the colour is pink / pale pink after one year of exposure, the risk of having noticable damage before 100 years is high. Ignoring these recommendations may threaten the integrity of the artwork and result in noticable changes due to light damage within a few years 9