Dear Ken,
Since 15 years at least I am reducing the amount,until none,of chemicals for
restoration, as after the analysises I made,the pollution in the air reacts
to the chemicals in a negative way. Now I read several articles from the
States which came to the same conclusion and they begin to study the problem.

Concerning the lighting that's an other and a costly problem. Slowly we are
replacing our spots and fluorescents with optic fibres. With optic fibres we
have the possibility to light several items with a 20 W bulb. The light is
direct to the object and does not give unnecessary light to other items. 
The light without UV. The bulb can be many meters away from the vitrine, in
a other well aerated compartment. We use one bulb for around 20 little items
contrary to the past where we used at least  2 to 4 big fluorescents. 

We buy the material and make the fibres on our own. It is a very time
consuming work but once the fibres are made  we can use them for the
temporary exhibitions. Once they are made it is easy. But it is costly and
the installing takes time. For the permanent exhibition it is perfect.

BUT NEVER FORGET:

                WHATEVER LIGHT YOU USE, EVEN WITHOUT UV
                            I T   I S    E N E R G Y  
       AND CAN DISTROY OBJECTS, ESPECIALLY THE ORGANIC ONES.

In any case use   a l w a y s   low LUX for sensitive items.

Regula Muller Shacham
Chief Conservator 
Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem
Archeological Museum  

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