Have you seen these devices hidden around the gallery lately?

Recently, the AGN underwent a month-long environmental survey of each exhibition space, facilitated by Lindsay Fler, Cultural Heritage Manager. The Survey used environmental testing equipment on loan from the Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI). While the gallery already conducts ongoing monitoring through the use of a hydrothermographs, the additional instruments enabled more detailed and precise readings of light levels (including UV and lux), and enhanced tracking of relative humidity and temperature. The readings combined offer a broader understanding of environmental conditions and fluctuations during our ever-chagning Canadian winters.

Environmental monitoring is essential to maintaining the gallery’s Category A designation, which reflects the highest standards for the care and display of sensitive and mixed-media artworks. Building on this monitoring work, the next steps for AGN will be to analyze the collected data and use the findings to guide strategic actions that support the long-term preservation and exhibition of the gallery’s collection.