In regards to this question:

> > 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?

This was the response:

> None whatsoever....(depending on how often works on paper are being
> exposed to flashlight...)
>
> The worst effect is on the eyes of guards standing near famous
> paintings that are being photographed all day long. That is the main
> reason not to allow the use of flashlights in museums.

It is my understanding watercolours are, especially, negatively affected by
light, so frequent flashes of brilliant light could be destructive.
Additionally, keep in mind that a well-known piece can be flashed by
hundreds of people in a day which means a large exposure to bright lights
daily. That could be why flash photography is not allowed...too hard to
stipulate which areas can and cannot be photographed.

Just a thought.

Karen Liebel
University of Alberta