AD | Having worked in an architectural museum some years ago, I’m well aware art handling and storage are critical processes in preserving the integrity and value of artwork. Whether you’re an individual collector, a gallery owner, or a museum curator, proper techniques are essential to ensure that your artworks remain in pristine condition. Here are six key practices for handling and storing art, including the use of self-storage units, to safeguard your valuable pieces.
Art Handling and Storage Best Practices
When you’re handling delicate paintings, intricate sculptures, and fragile textiles, each piece of work deserves the utmost care and attention. As art enthusiasts and collectors, it’s our duty to safeguard our cultural treasures for generations to come through a range of art handling and storage techniques.
Handling Artworks with Care
The first step in art preservation is proper handling. Every piece of art, regardless of its material or age, should be treated with utmost care. When moving any artworks, it is advisable to wear clean cotton gloves to avoid transferring oils and dirt from your hands to the art. Additionally, make sure you have a clean and clear space to work in, free from any potential hazards that could cause accidental damage.
For larger or more cumbersome pieces, it’s best to enlist the help of professional art handlers. These experts are trained in the safest techniques for moving and packing art, significantly reducing the risk of damage. For those interested in acquiring high-quality pieces for their collection, click here to explore a marketplace offering original art from talented artists worldwide.
Climate Control and Environmental Factors
Many artworks are sensitive to environmental conditions. Temperature, humidity, and light exposure can all cause significant deterioration over time. Ideally, artworks should be stored in a climate-controlled environment. The recommended temperature is generally between 18-21°C (65-70°F) with relative humidity levels of 40-50%. Fluctuations outside these ranges can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to cracking, warping, or mould growth.
Light exposure, particularly from UV rays, can cause colours to fade. It’s essential to limit the exposure of artworks to direct sunlight, and use specialist UV-filtering glass or acrylic when framing pieces.
Proper Packaging and Crating
When storing or transporting art, proper packaging is crucial. Each piece should be wrapped in acid-free tissue paper and covered with protective materials such as bubble wrap or foam. For paintings, it’s best to use corner protectors to prevent damage to the edges.
For long-distance transportation, custom crates provide the best protection. These crates are designed to absorb shocks and vibrations, keeping your artwork stable and secure during transit.
Self-Storage Units for Art Storage
Self-storage units can be a practical solution for storing art, especially for collectors who may not have sufficient space at home. When choosing a self-storage unit, it’s important to select a facility that offers climate control to maintain the necessary temperature and humidity levels.
You should ensure the storage unit is clean, dry, and secure. It’s also advisable to check the facility’s security measures, including surveillance cameras, secure locks, and restricted access. When placing art in storage, keep pieces off the ground to protect against potential water damage, and use shelving or pallets for added safety.
Regular Inspections and Maintenance
Even in the best storage conditions, it’s important to regularly inspect your stored art. Look for any signs of deterioration, such as discolouration, mould, or physical damage. Early detection of issues allows for timely intervention and conservation.
If you do detect any damage, consult a professional conservator for advice and repair. Regular maintenance and prompt action can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems.
Insurance and Documentation
Finally, maintaining comprehensive insurance coverage for your artworks is essential. Ensure that your insurance policy covers the full value of your collection, including provisions for transport and storage. Documenting your collection with high-quality photographs and detailed descriptions can facilitate insurance claims and provide a clear record for future reference.
Safeguarding Artworks for Future Generations
Proper art handling and storage are vital in preserving the beauty and value of our artworks. By following these best practices, including the use of climate-controlled self-storage units, you can protect your collection from damage. Whether you’re storing a single piece or an extensive collection, investing in the right techniques and facilities means you’ll be maintaining the integrity of your treasured art, and ensuring its longevity for future generations to appreciate.
* This is a collaborative post – please see my Disclaimer.
I know a few people who have some lovely art and will be moving soon so this was perfect timing to read as they were looking at how best to handle and store them while they pack things up. I will share this with them!
Oh that’s great, Molly, what good timing. Thank you, I’m so pleased this was useful. 🙂
I was just thinking about adding art at home, so this is perfect.
Oh fab, excellent timing then, thank you!
It’s interesting reading this post. Thanks for this insightful post.
Glad you found it of interest, thank you.
Worth noting for when I need to protect my cherished pieces. Truly some industry best practices here.
Glad you found it useful, Bev, thank you.
I really liked your idea to regularly inspect art to make sure mold and other decay are not occurring. That was also a really smart tip for wearing white cotton gloves when handling art. I definitely want to remember to do that!
It’s surprising how much damage oils and sweat from our skin can do to artwork – so yes, cotton gloves are a must!