Art at Risk - April 2009

Art at Risk: Lighting

Many people know sunlight can damage art, but how many know that fluorescent lights are also art destroyers?

Sunlight and fluorescent lights contain ultraviolet (UV) light. While all light can harm artwork, UV light is particularly destructive. Works of art on paper are most susceptible to this kind of damage.

Thankfully, much of the damage is preventable. A few simple steps can slow down fading, yellowing, and brittleness. Use multiple methods whenever possible. Light damage is cumulative and irreversible, so the more protection, the longer the art will last.

- Purchase artwork created with high quality, lightfast pigments and inks and acid-free paper. Ask if the artwork has been treated with UV spray;

- During framing, request conservation grade glass. This blocks much of the UV light;

- If preserving something produced on low-grade paper such as newsprint, consider having the paper treated with an archival spray, similar to that used by the Library of Congress;

- Hang valuable art away from incoming sunlight. Store art in a dark place when absent for any period of time;

- Cover windows and skylights with UV filtering plastic or film;

- Consider getting UV shields for fluorescent lights or change the type of lighting.

Protect artwork from light to enjoy art’s beauty for years to come.

More information on preservation and care of art can be found at Lodestone Gallery & Framing in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lodestone Gallery & Framing preserves and enhances people’s art and heirlooms through custom framing, and adds beauty to customer’s surroundings with open edition, limited edition, and original art. Lodestone Gallery also provides innovative green picture framing solutions.