dk nkf - Nordisk Konservatorforbund Danmark

paint chips that are simulated with printer’s ink, but
the majority of samples were created separately and
glued in place on the pages. They may be actual
samples of paint. Very little has been published
on this subject. It is a prime candidate for further
research.
Displaying repainted industrial
artifacts
Accepting that a recreated finish is a modern
creation, made with modern materials, modern
equipment and modern techniques and based on
questionable evidence, we should reassess the way
we display refinished artifacts.
The following guidelines are suggested for the
display of “like new” artifacts.
1. Display repainted industrial
artifacts outdoors
There are a number of compelling reasons for
recommending this approach.
a. The finish is a replica and does not merit close
scrutiny. In an outdoor setting, no one will
examine the artifact at close range.
b. Shiny, “like-new” machines make a stronger
impression outdoors than indoors. They come
closer to recreating the original experience that
the first users or operators had with the artifact,
and as such, they evoke strong feelings of
nostalgia.
Figure 4 An aircraft plant in 1942. Museums might consider
recreating settings like this for partially refinished artifacts.
Source: Library of Congress. Call Number: LC-USW36-238
c. Repainted objects shed water and are easy to
clean.
d. In the event of damage or deterioration, the
modern finish is easily renewed with no loss of
historical materials or information.
e. The outdoor setting is authentic in terms of
lighting. Artificial light is a recreation of
natural light. The appearance of sunlight has
not changed drastically in the past century.
Showing a replica finish in natural light is at
least half way to an authentic experience. It is
preferable to showing an approximation of a
finish in an approximation of natural light.
2. Do not display repainted and
original artifacts beside each other
The two kinds of finish do not complement each
other in close proximity. The repainted artifacts
look overly new and artificial, while the originals
look unfairly shabby and dull. They detract from
each other.
3. Display repainted industrial
artifacts in historically appropriate
indoor displays
If a shiny, “like-new” object must be displayed
indoors, it should be exhibited in an appropriate
setting, such as a factory, showroom or repair shop.
An automobile in “showroom condition” should be
displayed in a salesroom setting. A newly painted
airplane should be shown in a repair shop or
factory.
4. Use historically authentic lighting
in displays
Human vision is a matter of perceiving light.
Therefore, the finish on an artifact should be seen
in authentic lighting conditions. Shiny, “likenew”
paint jobs should be seen in lighting that
approximates the settings listed above: sodium
or mercury lighting for a factory setting, and a
combination of incandescent and natural light for
a showroom or repair shop. Modern museum track
lights or color-balanced fluorescent lighting may be
inappropriate.
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