Introduction
The damaging effects of an uncontrolled environment
on artifacts and art objects are well known. There are many examples
where low humidity has caused wood or ivory to crack and where high
light levels have faded textiles and watercolours with fugitive
dyes and pigments.
Unfortunately, intuitive assessments such as, "These
lights appear to be too bright," or, "It feels dry in this exhibition
room," are not sufficient to determine exact environmental control
requirements. Accurate information is essential to evaluate the
extent and urgency of any environmental problem. It is only after
collecting the data can the exact solution to the problem be determined.
The equipment needed to monitor the environment
is relatively expensive, and may be beyond the budget of many institutions.
Although less expensive instruments for this purpose do exist, they
often lack the accuracy and sensitivity to monitor the conditions
in museums adequately.
The CCI's Preventive Conservation Services Division
makes available the necessary instruments to help museums and galleries
monitor their environments for a nominal fee of $50.00.
Environmental Monitoring Kit
The Environmental Monitoring Kit includes the necessary
instrumentation for measuring the four most important environmental
factors:
- relative humidity
- temperature
- illumination level
- ultraviolet (UV) radiation level.
The Kit consists of three hand-held instruments:
a motor-driven psychrometer or electronic humidity/temperature probe,
a lux meter, and a UV monitor. A psychrometric slide rule and an
instruction manual are also included. The manual, includes instructions
on preparing a schematic diagram of your facility as well as photographs
of the equipment is written in such a way that those who are unfamiliar
with the equipment can obtain accurate readings. If problems arise,
users may contact CCI for assistance.
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