Electric and natural light sources affect materials and their composition. There are many factors that contribute to how severe this change can be, such as time exposure, actual light source, and actual material composition. The strict management of the collective exposure to light on a material is the most important consideration. By comparison, other secondary factors, such as UV, have relatively small effects by comparison, unless the main light source is daylight.

This article evaluates several light sources and materials so that the proper application of a source can be decided upon. The premiere reference used throughout this article is IES/ANSI RP-30-96 "Museum and Art Gallery Lighting: A Recommended Practice".

All to often the terms Color Temperature and Color Rendering Index (CRI) get confused as to what they really mean. This article offers explanations to help clarify the differences between these important lighting topics.

The Halogen MR16 lamp is one of the most commonly used lamps in museums and homes for lighting art. It has a small profile and gives a nice warm glow with good color quality. But many ask the same question: What is the UV transmission of Halogen MR16 lamps with and without cover glass? What are its risks? Is a separate filter required to cut back enough UV as to not damage the art?

Greenbuild 2009
November 10-12
Phoenix, Arizona
Visit GE at Booth #903