| |
Humidifying in museums, churches, art galleries
|
|
- Priceless works of art are endangered when air is too dry!
- Protection against yellowing
- Brightness is preserved
- No cracks on exhibits
- Visitors' wellbeing is promoted
Although it is generally known, extreme and, more importantly, abrupt fluctuations in relative air humidity pose a major hazard for all works of art made of hygroscopic material. Only relatively few museums, galleries, collections, antique showrooms, etc. have effective air humidifying systems. Knowledge of suitable equipment necessary to achieve the correct degree of humidity where extreme climatic conditions exist is not enough. An understanding of the air humidifying problem is also required.
Inadequate humidity causes extensive damage. Room air absorbs water from material (oil paintings, wood, sculptures, etc.) if the air is too dry. A church organ, for example, requires a consistent relative humidity of between 50 to 60%. Old and new oil paintings can also lose value as a result of yellowing or flaking paint. Irreversible crack formations can develop if the water content is not maintained in a corresponding relationship to humidity.
The maintenance of consistent humidity equilibrium is therefore decisive.
Recommended air humidity values
The following air humidity values are recommended to permanently preserve the quality and condition of valuable exhibits:
Procedure/Location
|
Temperature
from – to °C
|
Rel. humidity
from – to % |
Mean value
% R. h. |
| Museums |
18 – 20°C |
45 - 50 % |
|
| Libraries |
20 – 22°C |
40 - 50 % |
|
| Painting galleries |
18 – 20°C |
45– 55 % |
|
Churches
• Chapels
• Organ galleries
|
15 – 18°C
18 – 22°C
|
40– 50 %
|
55 % |
Recommended units and systems from the Axair range
Defensor PH15 / PH27 air cleaner/humidifier »
Condair Dual Hybrid humidifier »
Consulting for humidifying in museums, churches, art galleries
Consulting »
|
|
|
Contact
Postbox, Talstrasse 35-37 
Newsletter
Email This Page
Printer Friendly Page