Investigation of light interaction with watercolours

18.04.2005 - 31.12.2010
Assigned research project
Water colours are generally very sensitive towards light exposure, especially because of the small colour quantities per area. From the change of colour of samples of the original colourants under light exposure a calibration of the light damage already induced in drawings with respect to the still tolerable future exposure can be attempted. This method should allow to estimate the future permissible exposure of museum objects. Furthermore, with 3-band illumination as opposed to a white continuum a similar visual appearance can be yielded associated with less light-induced damage. Modern LEDs are prospective light sources in this context.

People

Project leader

Project personnel

Institute

Contract/collaboration

  • Albertina Museum

Research focus

  • Biological and Bioactive Materials: 10%
  • Photonics: 50%
  • Sensor Systems: 10%
  • Design and Engineering of Quantum Systems: 10%
  • Sustainable Production and Technologies: 10%
  • Surfaces and Interfaces: 5%
  • Materials Characterization: 5%

Keywords

GermanEnglish
Lichtschädigung im MuseumLight damage in museums
MuseumsbeleuchtungMuseum lighting
AquarelleWater colour drawings
Dreibandbeleuchtung3-band illumination

Publications