Spectrophotometry
Developed a procedure to collect spectrophotometric data for objects before and after exhibition, tracking light damage over the course of longer exhibitions (in this case, approximately 9 months) to better inform future conservation decisions. The goal was to find a middle ground between accuracy and efficiency.
Once a procedure had been set, I helped read almost 200 objects prior to installation in Costume Art, ensuring a streamlined workflow that would not hinder treatment, photography, or installation timelines. It also involved environmental monitoring of the exhibition space, including helping read light levels for each object once installed to ensure light did not exceed a safe limit. Finally, all information had to be organized so that each object can be read again post-exhibition, accurately replicating the placement of the spectrophotometer.
Spectrophotometry was performed using X-Rite Ci62 spectrophotometer and Color iControl software.
Graph showing the ΔE from either lifting and replacing the spectrophotometer between each reading, or leaving it in place between each reading. Lifting and replacing method are the left 3 bars, leaving in place are the right 3 bars.
Mylar template used to ensure accurate replacement of the spectrophotometer for post-exhibition readings. The red arrows indicate the direction of the spectrophotometer.
Object with template placed for reading.
"Irises," Yves Saint Laurent, spring/summer 1988 haute couture. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019.93a-c.