VariGuard SmartGlass Protecting Light-Sensitive Books at National Museum of Sweden
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Did you know VISIBLE light damages collections?
People know that UV radiation causes fading and other damages. However, visible light (the light we can see) also damages substantially.
Museums and private collectors often keep items in storage because of this conservation issue, and people are unable to enjoy the items. Conservation vs exhibition – that’s the age-old dilemma.
VariGuard SmartGlass in picture frames and display cases solves this dilemma.
THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM DESCRIBES WHAT VARIGUARD SMARTGLASS DOES
“Our Connecting Cultures exhibition included three display cases made with VariGuard. These electronic ‘curtains’ are being used to protect and extend the exhibition period of a 17th century atlas, an 18th century Indian map printed on cotton, and an Incan wool tunic. By simply pushing a button the VariGuard SmartGlass instantly changes from light-blocking to transparent and the work is magically accessible to museum visitors.”
Matthew Yokobosky, Chief Designer Brooklyn Museum
Would you like to learn more?
SMITHSONIAN POSTAL MUSEUM STUDY ON VARIGUARD SMARTGLASS
The Smithsonian museum uses SmartGlass to protect an historical letter and envelope, and published results from a quantified study conducted. They reported a 95% reduction in light exposure on these items, versus light outside the VariGuard case.
(With traditional conservation glass, damage due to exposure to visible light would be very close to the level of light outside the case.)
STUNNING DISPLAY OF SPORTS MEMORABILIA AT THE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM
In May 2019, a new baseball card exhibit at the museum opened, and it included ten treasured cards – referred to as “Holy Grails” – displayed in specially designed cases using VariGuard SmartGlass.
“We are very excited about the use of VariGuard SmartGlass in the “Holy Grails” section of Shoebox Treasures. One of the most critical steps in preserving a museum artifact is protecting it from both UV and visible light. SmartGlass technology eliminates 95% of the light exposure that would occur in a traditional museum display case. These rare and valuable cards will only be exposed to light when a visitor is actually looking at them, ensuring that the cards will be preserved for future generations of baseball fans.”
– Erik Strohl, Vice President of Exhibitions and Collections, National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
Image Credits: Milo Stewart Jr./National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.