LIGHT IS HIS MEDIUM

摘要

London's National Gallery is pioneering the use of LEDs to illuminate its priceless collection of paintings. Although the technology is not new, it is rarely used for installations where the quality of light is so critical. Now scientists at the gallery are convinced that the technology has advanced to a point where its application will not only save the gallery energy but will actually improve the quality of light on the pictures too. The gallery has committed to using LEDs to replace its existing lighting installations on all of its pictures and throughout the adjoining Sainsbury Wing over the next two years. The move is expected to cut the gallery's lighting energy consumption by 85%, which will reduce its carbon emissions by up to 400 tonnes a year. "There were a number of issues behind the move to LEDs," says Joseph Padfield, conservation scientist in the scientific department of the National Gallery. "We were looking to improve our lighting-related energy efficiency but also to maintain or improve the lighting's aesthetic quality while ensuring the safety of the paintings."