The Cayuga Museum of History & Art is highlighting the lesser-known research conducted by the Case Research Lab, particularly in the realm of light measurement and its effects on dyed fabrics. During the 1920s, while Ted Case was developing his sound film technology, he was also exploring other applications for his innovative photoelectric cells.
On November 9, 1925, the Case Research Lab received a significant report from the Department of Commerce, which had been utilizing one of Case’s photoelectric cells to assess the rate at which sunlight causes fading in dyed materials. This collaboration emerged following a 1923 article in American Dyestuff Reporter that proposed a quantitative method for dye fading tests. The article suggested that by measuring the foot-candle hours of light responsible for fading, researchers could create standardized tests that account for variations in daily or seasonal light intensity.
The initiative was backed by the Research Committee of the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists in conjunction with the Bureau of Standards. Their goal was to establish a reliable methodology to understand how much light exposure would lead to fading, regardless of environmental fluctuations.
The findings from this research represent a critical intersection of technology and textile science, showcasing how innovations in one area can significantly benefit another. Karyn Radcliffe, the director of collections at the Cayuga Museum, emphasizes the importance of this historical collaboration in the advancement of both photography and textile industries.
The museum, located at 203 Genesee St., Auburn, New York, continues to preserve and promote the legacy of Ted Case and his groundbreaking work. For further information, visitors can contact the museum at (315) 253-8051 or visit their website at cayugamuseum.org.
This exploration into the Case Research Lab’s contributions underlines the significance of interdisciplinary study during a transformative period in technology and industry. The Cayuga Museum invites the public to engage with this rich history and learn more about the innovations that shaped modern practices in both film and fabric.
