Skuteczne zabezpieczenie obrazów przed niekorzystnymi wpływami mikroklimatu muzeum poprzez zastosowanie ram mikroklimatycznych

The most serious danger for panel paintings on wood are fluctuations in microclimate parameters, which lead to deformations and mechanical damages to the wood, the priming ground layer and the paint coating. One simple, cheap and energy- -saving method for the passive protection of objects is tlie microclimatic frame, in the form of specially constructed cassettes. These frames can constitute a ‘housing’ into which the entire painting is inserted, together with the original decorative frame, or they can be attached to the original picture frame. Their primary purpose is to create an autonomous climate in tin* area of the object. This can be done by creating a space which is isolated from the often unfavourable microclimatic conditions existing in the museum environment. Consequently, the dimensional stability of the object being stored is ensured. Microclimatic frames can effectively eliminate the dangers caused by fluctuations in the microclimate during the exhibition and storage of paintings in museums and during their transport. Systematic tests have confirmed the frames’ effectiveness in the protection of pand paintings. Their use allows for the creation of very stable conditions for the storage of objects, even during extreme changes in relative humidity. Conditions prevailing inside the frame are only affected by temperature changes. It thus transpires that temperature, which is usually omitted in the determination of microclimatic standards, is the decisive element and the one to which special attention must be paid. Microclimatic frames can also constitute a good form of protection for works of art during transport, in particular bv air.. The drastic changes in relative humidity that usually occur during transport are completely neutralised by a microclimatic frame. The tests also showed that the use of additional buffer materials (e.g. silica gel) in a hermetic microclimatic frame does not actually affect the stored < »bjects in any way. The use of microclimatic frames for the protection of works of art during exhibition and storage, as well as during transport, has been proved to be effective. Microclimatic frames are a passive solution and require no energy supply; therefore the improved safety of objects on exhibition and in storage is achieved economically, with the idea of the society- and environment-friendly ‘green museum being promoted at the same tune.