Scrims and curtains

Lisa Vestal <lvestal [at] sfpl__org> write

>One of our galleries has floor to ceiling glass on either side.  The
>glass has a UV coating and some scrims, but we need further
>protection and I have been asked to provide an estimate. Our
>previous vendors are no longer available.  Can you provide some
>suggestions on vendors, materials and related costs.  Our gallery is
>2,200 square feet.

Since you are replacing existing materials, it would be a good time
to review your needs--and the welfare of the collections exhibited
in the space.  Ultraviolet protection is usually not enough--which
is presumably why someone put up the scrim.  It would be helpful
before you start to purchase replacements to measure the light
levels that the scrims let in, and possibly to look for better
filtration. Assuming that the works displayed are library materials
and therefore very light-sensitive, there are two independent issues
to pursue: reduction of the time period of exposure and added
filtration for visible light.  The installation should provide some
kind of barrier--like dark drapes--that keep all natural light out
whenever the gallery is not open to the public.  This can "save" the
collections from a lot of exposure.

Reduction of visible light without obstructing the view to the
outside can usually be done using bronze-tinted Plexiglas sheets.
There are several choices of material and several variables involved
in how the panels are installed, but we have used this method in
several institutions with results that are pleasing to viewers,
since it eliminates glare as well as protecting the collections.
Please feel free to call if you want more information.

Barbara Appelbaum
Appelbaum and Himmelstein
444 Central Park West
New York, NY  10025
212-666-4630


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 22:38
                Distributed: Saturday, January 10, 2009
                       Message Id: cdl-22-38-002
                                  ***