I just came across this, which may be of some interest, in a 2000 WAAC newsletter:
Solux Update
The first note about Solux appeared in the May 1997 issue of the Newsletter describing the 4700Kelvin (K) version. For those who do not know about SoLux, it is a light bulb that approximates the full color spectrum of natural daylight more accurately than any other light source.
SoLux is a 50 or 35 watt 12 Volt MR16 format bulb. SoLux is finding enthusiastic use in museums, stores, homes, and work places. Now there is a 3500K and a 4100K SoLux. All three color temperatures are available in four beam spreads (10, 17, 24, and 36 degree) and have virtually perfect color rendering abilities, (over 98 CRI with smooth spectral power distributions).
The 3500K SoLux was designed specifically for the art market and was used on the Van Gogh exhibit at the National Gallery of Art and Los Angeles County Art Museum. The Van Gogh Museum (in Amsterdam) recently changed to 3500K SoLux bulbs. Numerous other museums have used SoLux as well (Rijksmuseum, Guggenheim, Metropolitan Museum of Art, among others).
The two reasons the 3500K SoLux gained such quick acceptance are 1) preservation and 2)presentation. The 3500K SoLux has extremely low UV output and its smooth spectral power distribution provides a presentation far superior to all others lights.
The 4100K SoLux also has extremely low UV, and some find it provides better presentation of more modern artworks. The 4700K SoLux is mostly used by those who do inpainting.
Fixtures for SoLux have also been developed. There is a task light fixture, a clip-on fixture, and a retrofit system for line voltage recessed fixtures and standard track fixtures.
The Task Lamp was specifically designed for the SoLux MR16 bulb, which is included. It features a frosted cover glass that spreads and softens the light and a 12 volt wall transformer. Its unique flexible design provides the user with an extremely wide range of motion. Base options: 1) desktop bases 2) rolling floor stand 3) floor stand. Color temperature options: 3500K, 4100K, or 4700K (all 36 degree).
The Clip-on takes the thermoplastic head from the Task Lamp and bonds it to a large clamp so that it can be remotely attached and provide light to a desk where space is at a premium. Like the Task Lamp, it features a frosted cover glass that spreads and softens the light and a 12 volt wall transformer (SoLux bulb included). Color temperature options: 3500K, 4100K, or 4700K (all 36 degree).
The Retro-system is a great way to allow a line voltage recessed fixture (the typical light can) to use a low voltage SoLux bulb (which is included). Within the Retro-system's extendable body is a 12-volt transformer that connects to a standard "screw-in" socket.
The wide range of tilt and rotation offered by the Retro-system makes it perfect for lighting art that is displayed on walls. (Far superior to "fish eye" trim on recessed fixtures.) It is available in black or white and with your choice of SoLux bulb. (I've been using one of these in a porcelain socket rigged on a rolling light stand for almost three years, still using the original bulb, 4700K. I've taken it on-site several times and even dropped it, to no ill effect. The light is indistinguishable from daylight and very pleasing. Ed.)
If you have any questions, please drop me a note or give me a call at 800-254-4487.
Thank you,
Philip Bradfield
Tailored Lighting Inc.
http://www.solux.net
Email -
soluxlamps@aol.com