Question

You are a textile conservator in a museum. Which among the following methods would you choose to minimize the damage caused to a textile artifact stored in your museum?

• A. Expose the objects to light of high intensity
• B. Minimize the intensity of light falling upon the object
• C. Expose objects to light for longer period of time
• D. Introduce photo-chemically active radiations from the light

Hint:

For textile conservation, remember the main environmental enemies are "the 4 L's": Light, Low/high humidity, Litter (pests/dust), and Larceny (theft). Minimizing light exposure is a top priority.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the correct method to conserve a textile artifact from light damage. Light, especially its intensity, duration, and UV content, causes irreversible damage to textiles, leading to fading and weakening of fibers.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's analyze the options from a conservation perspective:


(1) Expose the objects to light of high intensity: High-intensity light accelerates photochemical damage. This is the opposite of what a conservator would do.
(2) Minimize the intensity of light falling upon the object: This is a fundamental principle of preventive conservation. By reducing the light intensity (measured in lux), the rate of degradation is slowed significantly. Museums use low light levels in textile galleries for this very reason.
(3) Expose objects to light for longer period of time: Damage from light is cumulative. The longer the exposure, the more damage occurs. This is incorrect.
(4) Introduce photo-chemically active radiations from the light: Photo-chemically active radiations, such as Ultraviolet (UV) light, are the most damaging part of the light spectrum. Conservators use filters to remove UV radiation, not introduce it.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct and essential method for minimizing light damage is to minimize the intensity of the light.