UV Lamp

 

 

Ultraviolet Lamp:

Typically used for water purification and air sterilisation, conservators have found a very different use for ultraviolet lamps – to help them look beyond what the naked eyes can see.

Conservators use ultraviolet lamps for examining under-drawings in paintings; in identifying areas of previous treatments in ceramics; and in determining the presence of optical brighteners in papers.

Pair of Lab Goggles:

UV radiation can lead to serious damage to the eyes. To protect their eyes, conservators wear UV goggles, when examining artefacts using UV lamps. These special goggles block UV radiation. Look at the picture of the goggles below. It has blocked the UV which resulted in a dark cast on its underside.

“Blank” Canvas:

Conservators use UV for examining under-drawings in paintings.

Ceramics Bowl:

Adhesives used in the reconstruction of broken ceramics may fluoresce under UV. Conservators use UV in identifying these areas of previous treatments. The creamic bowl in the picture below has undergone conservation by HCC’s objects conservator.

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