Questions that relate to this section of the Studio Arts exam are usually in section A or B of the examination paper. Students can be required to give a definition or  select an image from the insert, and respond in relation to this topic. 

It is a section that can be broken up into groups or might be referred to as a 'consideration'. For example, on the 2010 Studio Arts examination paper, Question 2 was as follows:

 

Select one artwork from the detachable insert.

Describe three different considerations a public gallery could respond to when protecting the artwork from damage.

​Artwork number_____

 

Consideration 1

Consideration 2

Consideration 3

 

This question was worth 3+ 3+ 3= 9 marks and there was 6 lines per consideration.

 

Any of the following five conserations listed below could be used in relation to this question.

 

Lighting:

Minimise natural light.

Use tungsten or halogen bulbs to achieve low wattage as they have no uv output. Spotlights not too close to artworks.

Use a lux meter to measure the light.

Works on paper, photographic works and mixed media has a high sensitivity to light and should be exhibited at 50 LUX. 

Oil and acrylic paintings have a moderate sensitivity to light and can be exhibited at 150-200 LUX.

Damage caused such as bleaching, fading, yellowing and heat damage if the light is too intense.

Works are rotated at 1:3........one month on display and three months in storage.

​

Temperature and Humidity:

Temperature is set to 20 degrees celsius (+/- 2).

Humidity is set to 45% to 55%

A Thermo-Hygrograph is an instrument used to measure temperature and humidity.

At 67 % mould will grow.

Works are damaged with incorrect temperature and high humidity causing mould, cracking, swelling and/or distort the artworks. 

​

Storage and Handling: 

Curators and gallery staff use white cotton gloves when handling artworks as the skin has acids that can harm artworks.

Paintings are stored on metal racks, off the floor in case of flooding.

Works such as photographs or textiles artworks are stored in solander boxes, mounted on acid free boards, wrapped in acid free tissue paper. Solander boxes are dust proof and insect proof.

Sculptures and ceramics are stored on shelves, cabinets or specialised vaults.

Metal cabinets are stored in oxygen free rooms using argonite gass to help prevent fire

There are security systems, video monitoring and security guards to ensure members of the public do not touch works.

Barriers around artworks and glass cases are also used to display special pieces.

​

Pest Control: 

Insects and rodents feed on artworks and droppings can stain and corrode surfaces of artworks. Because pests and rodents are attracted to musty, dirty environments, galleries should:

Keep storage areas clean.

No food or drink in galleries.

Fumigate, set traps and vacuum regularly.

 

Public:

No food or drinks in the gallery as this can attract rodents and pests.

The public should not touch works as perspiration from the hands will cause discolouration.

The public should not carry large bags in case of accidental damage in a crowed environment.

The public should adhere to gallery rules and not use a flash on their camera as it will cause damage.
 

see attached sheet: conservation and preservation

year 12 sample document

year 12 sample grid document