Let There Be Light...but what kind?

[MG34NZ]

Hi Guys, Im seeking advice on what type of lighting to have in display cabinetry.On display will be everything from textile items,paper items , helmets field gear and firearms so a very broad range of materials.

Whats the best type of lighting?
Fluro is bleeching over time so what about incandecent ( also bleeches?)or halogen lighting ( like the small bud lights used in some kitchens etc, run off low voltage transformer) ??
Natural light is virtually nill and the incandesect lighting within the room will not sufficiantly illuminate the display cabinets.

80% (or more) of the time there will be no light in the room.

Thanks for your interest and I look forward to your comments

Very interested to hear any recomendations.
Regards
MG34NZ

[Massimo F.]

Hi, I would use L.E.D. lights, long lasting, and low power needed for a good light output.
Let's see what our "collegues" come up with.

[MG34NZ]

Thats another one to add into the mix , Im interested to see what is the "best" for illuminating collectables with the least detrimental effect.

Regards
MG34NZ

[Paul R.]

In the field of conservation this topic always seems to bring up a lot controversy (non believers) that light will cause severe damage. All light in time will cause fading. Sunlight, florescent, quarts light, camera flash. Yes even LG, or L.E.D., will but at a little bit slower rate. All lighting will in time will affect leather, fabric, printed material, wood, paintings. Most museums use sensors in galleries that sense when a person enters the gallery. These sensors turn on the lights in the gallery. It’s not only cost saving, but reduce fading of items. Some museums also filter their lights with UV filters, or use LG lighting.
I chuckle when a see beautifully hand crafted wood display cases with a pinned up tunic in it, and a hot blaring light pointed at their tunic. Nothing like speeding up the fade factor to a tunic in a short time. I have seen people spend a lot of money on military items. Only to display the item in front of a window with almost full sun. If you want to experiment set up several small 4x6 pieces of dark blue fabric in under all types of light. Cover half of the fabric with a piece of tin foil. Leave the other side to the exposed light. In about three to six month. Check to see the fad factor for yourself. You’ll be surprised. Of course these are your items to display and light the way you choose.

[MG34NZ]

Thanks Paul, as I said Im after the leasser of all the lighting evils...with the goal of preservation of historc artifacts for the future.As for being mine to display / light how I like...true to a point, I see myself as being a caretaker with a duty to care for these items as best as I possiably can and the reality is over time there will be many more such caretakers and I hope to do my best to ensure preservation
Thank you for your input
MG34NZ

[Paul R.]

MG34NZ. Thanks! It great to hear that your respet your colletion, and take preservation seriously. Paul

[bobcam1]

Just for accuracy's sake, It is generally Ultraviolet radiation which causes fading.....LED's do NOT produce ANY sort of ultraviolet radiation which causes fabric fading, color fading in Art, carpeting and other soft goods. The only exception being Ultraviolet LED's.

Many of the finest museums around the world, such as The Louvre, in Paris, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in NYC, and the National Archives and Smithsonian, in Washington DC, have switched to LED illumination for some of the world's most priceless works of art.

If you are still concerned, a simple test, like the one Paul suggested, using LED lighting, will show that there is NO harmful fading effect that will occur.

Bob.

[Paul R.]

Thanks bobcam1. Yes it is the ultraviolet that is the problem. Led, or LG have very lower emitting ultraviolet bulbs. Yes! most larger muesums also use UV light metering hand held when installing gallery display lighting. Yes! the average person would not necessilary buy a $500.00 plus meter for in home usage. However I have seen some LG, LED mfg list wattage and UV emittance on their web sites. Good idea to check mfg information. Paul

[Stahlhelm]

You could always keep your collection totally in the dark, and view everything with night vision goggles.

Sorry, I just had to throw that in for a laugh.

Chris

[Paul R.]

Chris You might be on to something here

[MG34NZ]

Thanks for your well informed input guys, I have just priced up some LED lighting after taking on board your advise and discussing it at length with lighting experts here in NZ....tremendous price difference between Halogen and LED but preservation is the issue here so looking at the big picture I think it will be a sound investment.
Chris, the LEDs came in just under the price of night vision so LEDs it is...LOL

Thanks for the advice on this I appreciate it.


Regards
MG34NZ

[LandZack2013]

I use small stick up LEDs on the tops of the shelves.

[Paul R.]

Guys! your missing all the other fun things to do with night vision goggles Think of all the other great possibliities that are.