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Measuring Light
Measuring Light
Units of Measurement
The two common units of light measurement
are the "lux" and the "footcandle." Both units are used
in literature on gallery lighting. A footcandle represents more illumination than a lux. The relationship is
1 footcandle = 10.76 lux.
Measuring Fading
There are inexpensive 'fadometer' cards which
use standardized swatches of blue wool to measure
fading. These can be used to monitor gallery conditions, either during exhibitions or, ideally, before art
objects are installed. (See Sources.)
Sources
Lux or Footcandle Meters:
(Be sure to get a meter that will read clearly down to 5
footcandles or 50 lux.)
Extech Instruments sells three different light meters of
differing cost and quality. Available from Zefon
International, (800) 282-0073, http://www.zefon.com/
analytical/measure/light/
Light meter from University Products, (800) 6281912, http://www.archivalsuppliers.com
Minolta sells a high end light meter, model T-10.
Available from Minolta, (888) 473-2656, http://
www.minoltausa.com/instruments/LightMeters/t10intro.asp
Bibliography
Canadian Conservation Institute. "Ultraviolet Filters
for Fluorescent Lamps." CCI Notes 2/1. Ottawa:
Canadian Conservation Institute, 1983.
_____. "Daylight Fluro-Spray Floodlight." CCI Notes
2/2. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute, 1983.
_____. "Track Lighting." CCI Notes 2/3. Ottawa:
Canadian Conservation Institute, 1983.
_____. "CCI Environmental Monitoring Kit." CCI
Notes 2/4. Ottawa: Canadian Conservation Institute,
1983.
Ellis, Margaret Holben. The Care of Prints and Drawings. Walnut Creek: AltaMira Press, 1995.
Stolow, Nathan. Conservation and Exhibitions: Packing, Transport, Storage and Environmental Consideration. London: Butterworths, 1987.
The Exhibition Alliance thanks the following for reviewing a draft of this technical note and making suggestions: Stefan Michalski, Senior Conservation Scientist, Environment and Deterioration Research, Canadian
Conservation Institute; and Hanna Szczepanowska, Paper Conservator, Division for Historic Preservation,
Bureau of Historic Sites, Peebles Island.
This publication is made possible, in part, by public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts.
1990 by The Exhibition Alliance, Inc., Hamilton, N.Y. Revised 2001. All rights reserved.
For more information, call or write:
The Exhibition Alliance
P.O. Box 345
Hamilton, NY 13346
(315) 824-2510
www.exhibitionalliance.org