conservation

Question 1

preventing damage

Answer 1

Store art in a cool, dry, dark place.

The best way to avoid damage from sunlight, humidity, and temperature fluctuations is to keep your art somewhere cool, dry, and dark.

Question 2

materials

Answer 2

organic
paper
leather
wool
feathers

inorganic
stone
cement
ceramic
metals

Question 3

how much effort do the galleries go to the particular works.

Answer 3

the significance of the work
the value of the work
the resources available to conserve the work
public galleries
consider efforts
borrowed works

Question 4

handling & checking

Answer 4

gloves
create adequate veiwing space between works
paying attention to light levels
keeping storrage and display areas clear of dust and toxic materials

during an exhibition the curatos will check works regularly for movement damage dust and any changes to the work

Question 5

light

Answer 5

There are 3 key ways you can limit the amount of light damage done to a collection: Reduce the amount of visible light or light intensity that an item receives. Reduce the time an object is exposed to visible light to counter cumulative damage. Eliminate unnecessary invisible radiation.

As watercolours and other paints formed using dyes and lakes are the most sensitive to damage by exposure to light, restrict light levels to 50 lux with a maximum UV level of 30 µW/lumen (1500 µW/m2). Oil, tempera and acrylic paintings can tolerate higher light levels up to 200 lux and 75 µW/lumen (15,000 µW/m2).

Question 6

tempreture and relative humidity

Answer 6

deally the storage and display environment for paintings should have temperatures and relative humidity levels in the ranges 15 -25 °C and 45 - 55 % respectively with maximum fluctuations of 4 °C and 5 % in any 24 hour period

Extreme temperature and humidity or fluctuations in their levels damage paintings and frames because their multiple layers expand and contract as moisture spreads into or out of the surrounding air.

High humidity can cause mould to grow and materials to swell, shrink and shift. High humidity can also cause chemical reactions such as the yellowing of paper and metal corrosion.

Question 7

preventative measures

Answer 7

maintain air conditioning levels
maintain rh levels
prevent direct sunlight
eliminate cold draughts of cold air
enclosing artworks