Matthew,
If you consult virtually any published work on the topic of light and artifact conservation you will see that rule #1 is: eliminate virtually ALL UV radiant energy from lighting sourcesโ directed at sensitive works of art. This mantra is so ingrained in the pedagogy that, perhaps, conservators have not voiced this strategy loud enough over the last few decades. The good news is that, with the LED revolution, most contemporary electric light sources produce only visible spectrum light with scant amounts of either UV or IR (infrared) energy. But if other electric light sources (i.e., fluorescent, incandescent, metal halide, etc.) or natural daylight is present in a delicate object presentation space, it is critical to ensure and manage for UV. Having a meter/monitor that measures the presence of UV is a darn good place to start.
May I direct your attention to
IES RP-30 (Recommended Practice in Musuem and Gallery Lighting) for a very good summary of lighting knowledge. You may also want to watch a terrific
webinar hosted by my colleague Scott Rosenfeld that is an excellent introduction to RP-30.
It is critical to note that Scott articulates an important point: Visible Light (as opposed to UV and IR) is also responsible for fading and deterioration of organic objects. That is why curators and conservators continue to have endless debate about how much light exposure is too much. This is a philosophical question as, over time, ANY light exposure will lead to decay (which could be over decades or even centuries).
It is all important to note that other factors (i.e., humidity, dirt, heat, air quality, etc.) also contribute to object deterioration. Deploying the most advanced and sensitive lighting system is not not enough.
Perhaps I should start a
Vanquish UV T-shirt line...
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Steven Rosen, FIALD
President and Creative Dir.
Available Light, Inc.
Boston MA
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2022 11:09 AM
From: Matthew Isble
Subject: UV light monitors
Could you make do with just a sensitive light meter, measure the footcandles as opposed to the ultra violet light? Most works dictate (none in my 20+ years) how many lumens are allowed, UV specifications aren't usually included. Just a thought.
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Matthew Isble
Exhibit Designer & Founder of MuseumTrade.org
misble@crockerartmuseum.org
Crocker Art Museum
Sacramento CA
misble@crockerartmuseum.org
Original Message:
Sent: 01-13-2022 08:33 AM
From: Paula Phipps
Subject: UV light monitors
Thanks so much!! I appreciate it your insight and I'll look into those products.
Paula Phipps
Manager of Collections and Interpretation
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
302-651-6966
paula.phipps@nemours.org
Original Message:
Sent: 1/13/2022 7:49:00 AM
From: Steven Rosen, FIALD
Subject: RE: UV light monitors
Hello Paula,
If "fancy" = inexpensive, I fear you may be disappointed. UV measurement meters are typically pretty pricy. The hand held meter I have seen that seems most popular among curators and conservation is made by Elsec.
They make a couple of versions but my favorite measures UV, Visible Light, and humidity.
From the Elsec website:
The 765 is the most popular, measuring Ultra Violet, Visible light, humidity and temperature.
The 7650 measures just Ultraviolet and visible light.
The 775 measures Ultraviolet, Visible light, temperature and thermal radiation for testing heat reflective coatings on windows.
Good luck!
- Steven
------------------------------
Steven Rosen, FIALD
President and Creative Dir.
Available Light, Inc.
Boston MA
Original Message:
Sent: 01-12-2022 09:41 AM
From: Paula Phipps
Subject: UV light monitors
Hello!
I'm looking to purchase a hand help UV light monitor. It doesn't need to be fancy, but will need to give me the needed information regarding natural light coming in. Can any one suggest a good one?
Thank you!
Paula Phipps
Manager of Collections and Interpretation
1600 Rockland Road
Wilmington, DE 19803
302-651-6966
paula.phipps@nemours.org