Collections
Light Damage
We all realise that light is a necessity for reading and for appreciating our works of art. However, light can be very damaging, and to extend the life span of many objects, it is important to lower the light level.
- Faded spine due to light damage
Books
By looking at the spines of many books, we can see that light fades colour.
The title of this novel has disappeared from its dust jacket due to the bleaching effect of light. The front and back covers have been protected by other books on the shelf, and they remain bright red. The spine has faded because of the damaging effect of radiation from the sun and from artificial light sources. Light not only fades, but also weakens materials such as leather, paper and cloth.
Photographs
Photographs, especially coloured ones, are even more sensitive to the damaging effects of light. Many of us will frame and display our most valued photographs, but from a conservation aspect, this can be very damaging.
Light levels are controlled and monitored in galleries and libraries. But at home, light levels can be much higher. These levels are measured in units of lux, and it’s recommended that photographs and other works of art on paper should be displayed in no more than 50 lux, and no more than 150 lux for oil paintings. An object that receives direct sunlight could be receiving as much as 10,000 lux, or 200 times the recommended level.
- A print exhibited in low light levels
- A print exhibited in high light levels
Guidelines to reduce light damage
Valuable objects can be protected from the effects of light damage by following some of these guidelines:
- place heavy curtains or blinds on windows, and ensure that they are drawn when the room is not in use
- ensure that works of art and bookshelves do not receive direct sunlight
- use incandescent light (rather than fluorescent light) that does not contain as many harmful UV rays
- use low wattage bulbs or dimming switches to set the light to a low level that’s comfortable to your eyes
