Science Professor’s Light Filter Saving Works of Art

 

October 2nd, 2008

A UTEP chemistry professor played a major role in a “revolutionary” research project that could enhance the way paintings are seen while at the same time protect them from the harmful rays that slowly, but surely, destroy them.

Carl. W. Dirk collaborated with the Getty Conservation Institute and The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum in Santa Fe, among others, to come up with the special light filter that can reduce the harmful light rays by 35 to 57 percent.

The energy in the light can slowly deteriorate the pigment of the paint and the material used as the canvas. That’s the reason some famous works of art are shown under a dim light, shown for a limited number of hours a day or put on a display rotation.

While the project’s original purpose was to protect Old Master Drawings, it is currently being developed for O’Keeffe watercolors. Those involved believe the impact will be felt around the world.

“Scientists usually work on abstract things,” said Dirk, a Ph.D. who came to The University of Texas at El Paso in 1990. “This is rewarding because people can understand it and appreciate it.”

Jim Druzik is the Getty Center Institute’s senior scientist who started to develop this project in 2002. He gave credit to Dirk for the unique passion he brought to the project.

“His involvement is the only reason we are at this point,” he said.

The work that has been done by Getty and Dirk is “revolutionary,” Dale Kronkright, head of conservation at the O’Keeffe museum, said in a Getty press release.

The work by GCI and UTEP will provide museum visitors with the best possible viewing of O’Keeffe’s watercolors and pastels while it slows the tendency to fade and discolor.

“It’s an incredible opportunity to look at new solutions to an age-old balancing act,” Kronkright said.

Dirk and his doctoral candidate Monica Delgado continue to enhance their light filter research. They have had the initial glass lenses manufactured by a German company because no U.S. company could meet the delicate specifications. Each filter costs about $1,000.

The UTEP professor expects future generations of the filters will be made of plastic and become more affordable to regular museums. However, he suggested that anyone involved should keep the price in perspective.

“Spend $1,000 to protect a $15 million painting?” he asked. “It’s a no brainer.”

For more information visit: http://ece.utep.edu/research/webdcl