My story is more along the lines of what NOT to do...

We also have a Carnegie Library building of about the same vintage, though
the exterior was remodeled to a Mediterranean style in the 1930s. It became
a museum in 1982, and to block the light, the windows were covered over on
the inside, but the Venetian blinds were left in place so it would look good
from the outside.  (Seemed like a good idea at the time, I guess.) So 20+
years go by and the UV light in the west facing window has rotted the cords
holding the blinds together and they have fallen at strange angles
sandwiched between walls and huge windows where no one can get at them.
After years of struggling with what to do about the problem short of tearing
out walls, we are going to have a mural painted on the windows in such a way
that will it appear that they still have blinds and are reflecting
University buildings nearby. Time will tell whether that is a good solution
or not.

Lucy Sperlin
Chico Museum Association
Chico, CA


-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf
Of Lisa Renken
Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 11:13 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Window Shades For A 1910 Structure

Our small cultural history museum is housed in a former Carnegie Library 
building built in 1910. Sometime in the last 20 - 30 years someone 
replaced the original white shades with dark brown miniblinds. The effect 
is to make the windows look like dark holes from the outside and hide much 
of the beautiful original window framing on the inside. Although the 
entire building is in need of refurbishment (a project we hope to take on 
in the near future in conjunction with the city who owns the building), we 
think changing the miniblinds with white shades appropriate to the 
buiding's 1910 period of construction would go along way toward improving 
the appearance and authenticity of the building.  
I am asking for help in my research for the appropriate shades. I would 
like to minimize the amount of harmful uv rays coming into the building 
while maximizing the light. Any references or sources as to all 
conservation considerations and vendors will be greatly appreciated. 
Thanks in advance.



Lisa Renken
Director
Lompoc Museum
805-736-3888 (Phone)
805-736-2840 (FAX)

200 South H Street
Lompoc, CA 93436

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