Where Artifact Meets Exhibition:

Advances in Lighting and Case Design

Presented by the

Conservation Center for Art and Historic Artifacts

Co-sponsored by Northeast Document Conservation Center

Boston, MA

October 18 – 19, 2006

About the Program

Exhibition planning and development is a highly dynamic process, and with an increased emphasis on sophisticated and interactive exhibit design, the need to protect objects on exhibition has become a greater challenge.  While scientific findings from conservation analytical laboratories give us serious reason to be concerned about the effects of exhibitions on collections, there is also good news.  With the technology now available, a well-designed exhibit has the potential to present collections aesthetically and safely.

With knowledge and understanding of available new technologies, conservation features can be specified as standard components of exhibition design.  This 2-day program is designed to provide training in several key areas: planning for the safety of objects, appropriate lighting, appropriate engineering and fabrication of exhibition cases; and the selection of suitable exhibit construction materials.  Case studies on exhibit lighting and appropriate cases and new construction materials will be included.

These sessions are intended for curators, librarians, archivists, collection managers, exhibition designers, preparators, conservators, and other staff who are involved in exhibition lighting, design, and installation in cultural institutions.

Although attending both days of the program is not required, it is recommended.  Individually, the sessions will provide valuable information; together they will provide a framework for understanding the components of preservation-responsible exhibits. 

Session Descriptions

Shedding Light on Exhibitions

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Exhibition lighting that addresses both aesthetics and preservation considerations is an attainable accomplishment. This session will focus on integrating preservation-safe lighting criteria with viewing concerns such as contrast, reflection, brightness, and color. Lighting systems for room display and exhibit cases will be discussed. Case studies will highlight lighting concepts and solutions illustrating the range of technology options.

Session Leaders            Steven Hefferan, IALD, Hefferan Partnership Lighting Design

Steven Weintraub, Founder and Principal, Art Preservation Services, New York, NY

Under Cover: Exhibit Cases that Preserve        

Thursday, October 19, 2006

A conservation-grade exhibit case is a well-designed and carefully fabricated display enclosure, and an important and cost-effective tool for exhibiting collections. This session will cover assessing the criteria for hazard-free exhibits;  selecting safe exhibit materials and isolation barriers; controlling pollutants; developing safe environmental conditions; and monitoring and maintaining exhibits after installation. Purchasing new cases, as well as retrofitting existing cases, will be discussed. Case studies will be used to illustrate successful and innovative case design from the small institution to the most celebrated museums of the world.

Session Leaders         Sandro Goppion, Laboratorio Museotecnico Goppion, Milan, Italy

                                    Steven Weintraub, Founder and Principal, Art Preservation Services, New York, NY

                                    Van Wood, President, SmallCorp, Greenfield, MA

Program Location & Time

Boston Public Library

700 Boylston Street, Copley Square

Boston, MA

Registration & Refreshments  

9:00 am – 9:30 am  Wednesday & Thursday, October 18 & 19

Sessions

9:30 am - 5:00 pm             Wednesday & Thursday, October 18 & 19                                               

Brochure & Registration

Program brochure and registration form can be accessed at:

http://www.ccaha.org/workshop_cal.php (download may take a few moments)

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Funder

Partial funding for this program is provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH).

For information about CCAHA, its programs and services, please visit our website at www.ccaha.org or contact CCAHA’s Preservation Services Office at 215.545.0613 or [log in to unmask]