2009-12-31

Summary and Highlights of AaI&A Research for Calendar Year 2009

A new report has been posted on the Documents page of the AaI&A website. It is for AaI&A members only, and once logged in, you can also download it directly from here. The report summarizes the major accomplishments at Aardenburg Imaging & Archives during calendar year 2009. I'm pleased to say that we covered a lot of ground. Looking back on the year, my vote for the most significant accomplishment was the development and introduction of the AaI&A Conservation Display Ratings. Now, for the first time, digital fine art printmakers have access to light fastness test scores that rate early stage light fade resistance where little or no noticeable visual changes occur rather than having to rely solely on conventional consumer-oriented ratings that allow for much more "easily noticeable" fade.

We implemented a new Monochrome test target for lightfastness testing of Black&white (monochrome) print processes, and members enthusiastically began to submit their black & White print processes for light fade testing.

Our first Group Sponsor, Pro-Imaging.org, also joined the AaI&A Digital Print Research Program. Group sponsorship is an important key to the growth and sustainability of the research. There was a six-fold increase in new members during 2009. Members not only submitted fascinating new process examples for light fade testing. They generously donated fine art print samples along with their light fade test samples to the Aardenburg Archives. AaI&A real-world print monitoring studies also produced fascinating new insights on inkjet media.

All in all, it was a highly successful year for a small but growing research company. Aardenburg Imaging & Archives still has a long way to go towards a balanced budget, but the concept of a truly independent testing laboratory with direct participation in the print permanence research from printmaking members is now a reality.

I look forward to another year of solid growth, many exciting new tests and other activities, and some truly unique research results.

Mark H. McCormick-Goodhart
Director, Aardenburg Imaging & Archives