I was a security guard at Boston's MFA a few years ago and
pointed out to my supervisor that the use of a concentrated
beam of light on a painting could not be good for it.  He
illustrated that it was the best available option by using
a pencil as a pointer (not in front of a painting of
course).
He said "It's better than this"
While wildly waving the pencil in front of the wall he
accidentally (honestly) jabbed the wall and put a hole in
the plaster.

Clearly it's not ideal, but if teachers have to point at
images on the walls, it does seem to beat the alternatives.

I would like to know from a conservator though, how that
end of the spectrum affects the paint.  I'm sure most if
not all pointers are on the red end which should be
minimally UV.

On Thu, 20 Apr 2000 12:54:04 -0700 Cathy Westfeldt
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Dear Listerservers:
> I had an interesting question come my way today - one for which I don't
> have an answer. The Capitol Building here in Salem gives a great many
> tours which includes showing all their wonderful murals. They want to
> start having their tour guides use laser pointers on the murals during
> the tours. My first reaction is this is not a good idea. Light damage is
> cumulative. Anybody out there have experience with this type of
> situation? Thanks.
>
> Cathy Westfeldt, CRM
> Collection Curator
> Hallie Ford Museum of Art
> Willamette University
> 900 State St.
> Salem, OR 97301
> (503)370-6867
> [log in to unmask]

----------------------
Vincent Lyon
[log in to unmask]

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