We did a literature search on this about two years ago by using the
conservation abstracts, a course which I recommend to you. The literature
is extensive and easily accessed via the WEB. See COOL, CHIN or Getty
databases in conservation. After our search, we re-drafted our policies on
casual photography at our house museums and museums to allow flash
photography except in exhibitions where lending institutions or copyright
issues prohibited it.

Michael Bogle
Historic Houses Trust of NSW
Sydney Australia

>Is there any literature on this?
>robt
>
>At 10:31 PM 1/14/98 +0100, Jaap van der Burg wrote:
>
>>Robert A. Baron wrote:
>>>
>>> Does anyone on museum-l have any information on the harmful effects (or
>>> lack of harmful effects) of electronic flash photography on paintings,
>>> manuscripts and paper works of art?
>>>
>>> Thanks for your information.
>>>
>>> =================================
>>> Robert A. Baron
>>> mailto:[log in to unmask]
>>> http://www.pipeline.com/~rabaron/
>>
>>
>>Of Course Flash lights do effect objects. However as with all damaging
>>factors, the issue is more what do you deem acceptible and what not.
>>A light level of 50 lux with 75uW/lum UV is accepted in a permanent
>>exhibition. (8 hours 365 days per year for 10/15/25(?) years.
>>Compared a flashlight with maybe 5000 lux and 300uW/lum UV for 1/250 of
>>a second tots up to about 2 seconds normal lighting.
>>
>>Clearer is the damage to eyes, and do not forget the security camera's.
>>
>>Hope this is of use.
>>
>>Jaap van der Burg
>>Collection Care & Consult
>>(www.xs4all.nl/~gerlach/ccc)
>>