Too much sunlight

Press, 27 November 1979, Page 6

Too much sunlight

The exhibition areas at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery that are lit by natural sunlight are getting too much of it. It was not uncommon for) some art works to be getting 10 times the acceptable level, the gallery’s director; (Dr T. L. R. Wilson) told the] Christchurch City Council’s] cultural committee yesterday. Dr Wilson said that excessive lighting levels were a main cause of deterioration in art works. He asked the council to consider dimmer controls for spaces with only artificial light — to reduce ultra-violet levels — and some type of filter material for rooflights.

Dangerous lighting levels were found in about 40 per cent of the gallery’s exhibi-’ tion areas.

Dr Wilson wants to retain some natural lighting. It became “intensely claustrophobic” for visitors if all the lighting was artificial, especially in small exhibition spaces.

A better lighting system

will be considered in next year’s estimates. Fire protection A $20,089 fire detection and protection system, to be installed by Wormaid Vigilant, Ltd, was recommended by the committee. Halon gas will be used because a sprinkler system could cause water damage to art works in the basement. Dr Wilson said the gas removes oxygen from the atmosphere in the event of a fire. Upstairs in the gallery, a

smoke detector system — without sprinklers but linked with the fire brigade — is recommended. Gallery hours Different week-end hours for the gallery were recommended, including an extension of Sunday hours. The committee proposes that from November 1 to April 30, the gallery be open from 1 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays; during the winter, the hours would be noon to 4.30 p.m. at week-ends.