Why some works appear only briefly

A drawing can be central to a collection while spending much of its life away from the galleries. Paper, silk and the materials used on them can change under light. Limiting exposure is one way to preserve a work for future viewing. That creates a different kind of museum experience from a large stone sculpture. The work you hope to see may belong to a changing selection. A collection image, a gallery exhibition and a Study Room appointment each give a different form of access.