Whether objects are at home or in a gallery, in storage or on display, there are a few simple steps collectors can take to ensure the art is preserved for generations to come.
Understand how to care for different materials
There are special needs to consider that are unique to the various media, such as:
Set the correct temperature and humidity
While it may be tempting to turn air conditioners or heating systems down when you are away from home, rapid fluctuations can cause items to expand and contract, leading to aging and deterioration. As a result, most museums try to maintain relative humidity levels at approximately 40%, and temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius.
Reduce exposure to sunlight or artificial sources of light
Ultra violet (UV) radiation causes fading and uneven heating. It can particularly damage paper items such as photographs, watercolours and works with coloured inks, as well as textile fibers and dyes. Indirect sunlight or recessed or ceiling-mounted lighting is best for displaying artwork. Keeping curtains and shades drawn and turning off lights when a room is not in use are other ways to control light exposure. If your rooms get sun only part of the day, automatic timers can lower window shades as needed. For convenience, UV-filtering film can be installed on widows and lighting elements. As the effects of light exposure are cumulative, rotate artwork in and out of storage every three to six months.
Plan the best display location
In general, place items on interior rather than outer perimeter walls, which experience greater climatic variations. Although tempting, focal points such as fireplaces expose any artwork hung over them to heat, soot, and fluctuating humidity levels. Artwork should not be hung near heating and air conditioning vents, in bathrooms, below pipes, which can leak or drip condensation, or near any exposed water sources. Artwork in high-traffic areas should be carefully placed to avoid accidental injury and hung high enough to prevent unintended damage from handbags, chair backs or doors.
Choose the right framing
Quality museum framing using conservation materials is important to the long-term preservation of artwork. Works of art on paper and textiles are particularly susceptible to improper framing, and should only be mounted and backed with acid-free materials such as museum ragboard or blueboard. Ensure that adhesives are archival and reversible. Matting and archival hinging are also important as unmatted items can become permanently adhered to the glazing (i.e., to the glass or plexiglass), particularly in high humidity environments.
If you have questions on how to care for a particular piece of art, contact a conservator, a framer specialising in preservation framing, a professional art installer, or your insurance broker for advice and assistance.
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