We have been tracking the information for several years, and it forms
the basis of our exhibition policy.  It helps us make informed decisions
as we try to balance exhibition time with time in storage, in order to
improve long term preservation of the collection.  Now that we have a
central database for our collection records, the information is recorded
along with other conservation/collections care information.   

With micro-fading testing, the technology available to measure color
loss from light exposure is advancing to a point where testing an
individual textile is feasible.  However, I still think we'll have a
better understanding of the data if we compare the information we get
from the microfading testing to color readings taken before and after a
given length of exposure - another reason that recording the information
is important.   

Meredith Montague
Textile Conservator 
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

-----Original Message-----
From: Textile Conservators [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Ann Frisina
Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 10:21 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: lux level data

I am currently preparing for discussions on lux levels and lux hrs at my
institution.  We have been keeping track of the time an item is
exhibited
for.  Sensitive textiles are for the most part not exhibited in anything
higher than 50 lux for 150,000. This standard is up for discussion
depending on the artifacts level of sensitivity, it's rarity in the
collection, and level of public interest.  Currently there is a push to
no
longer track this information for our records.  My question is what are
other institutions/ conservators advocating?  Are other institutions
tracking this type of information?

Thanks for your time.

Ann Frisina
Textile Conservator
Minnesota Historical Society
St. Paul MN.
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