JAIC , Volume 39, Number 2, Article 4 (pp. to )
JAIC online
Journal of the American Institute for Conservation
JAIC , Volume 39, Number 2, Article 4 (pp. to )

A PROPOSAL TO REDUCE THE EXPOSURE TO LIGHT OF MUSEUM OBJECTS WITHOUT REDUCING ILLUMINANCE OR THE LEVEL OF VISUAL SATISFACTION OF MUSEUM VISITORS

CHRISTOPHER CUTTLE



4 4. CONCLUSIONS

Three main conclusions emerge:

  1. When instructed to adjust for equality of appearance, the subjects set for equality of illuminance. For this condition, the irradiance of the artworks was significantly less for the three-band source than for either of the MR lamps.
  2. At equal illuminances and color temperatures, subjects were conscious of differences of appearance between the three-band source and the MR lamps. Generally, they reported the difference to be slight, and their comments did not discriminate against the three-band source.
  3. A practical light source for museums could be developed that would have the potential to equal the visual satisfaction provided by incandescent lamps at equal illuminances, while exposing exhibits to significantly less irradiance. This light source would have the effect of reducing the rate of degradation of museum objects on display.