Engaging with a diverse range of art collections, from invaluable historical artifacts to modern masterpieces, has highlighted the importance of art preservation. Whether you are an avid collector or someone who cherishes a few sentimental pieces, the preservation of art is crucial to maintaining its beauty, integrity and value. Here we will share some accessible, yet effective tips to help you safeguard your cherished collection at home.
Mind the Light:
Light, and especially ultraviolet (UV) light, is a formidable adversary to the longevity and preservation of artworks. Over time, exposure to UV light can lead to significant damage, manifesting as fading colours, deteriorating materials and a general loss of the artwork’s original vibrancy and detail. This degradation not only diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the work but can also affect its historical value and integrity. To safeguard your art from the harmful effects of natural sunlight, it’s advisable to be strategic about where you display your pieces. Placing artworks in areas that receive direct sunlight can accelerate the damaging effects of UV light, so it’s best to choose locations within your home that are shielded from direct exposure. This doesn’t mean relegating your art to dark corners or hidden spaces; rather, it involves thoughtful placement to minimise risk while still enjoying your collection.
When it comes to artificial lighting, the choice of light bulbs can make a significant difference. LED bulbs are a preferable option for illuminating artworks because they emit minimal UV light compared to traditional incandescent or halogen bulbs. LED lighting not only reduces the risk of light-induced damage but also offers the advantage of being energy-efficient, providing a cost-effective lighting solution that’s gentle on your artworks.
For artworks that are displayed in areas where natural light is present, an additional protective measure is the use of UV-filtering glass or acrylic in the framing process. This specialised glazing material can dramatically reduce the transmission of UV rays, acting as a barrier that shields the artwork from the fading and deterioration caused by sunlight. By incorporating UV-filtering glass or acrylic into your frames, you can significantly extend the life and preserve the integrity of your collection, ensuring that your cherished works remain vibrant and intact for years to come.
Regulate the Environment:
Temperature and humidity levels are pivotal factors in the preservation of art, as they directly influence the longevity and integrity of artworks. The ideal conditions for most art works are maintained at a temperature of around 21ºC (70ºF) and 50% relative humidity. These conditions strike a balance that is conducive to preserving a wide range of materials, including paper, canvas, wood and metals, which are commonly found in art collections.
Extreme fluctuations in temperature and humidity are particularly detrimental to artworks. High humidity levels can introduce moisture to materials, making them prone to mould growth and fungal infections, which not only damage the artwork but can also pose health risks. On the other hand, low humidity can cause materials to dry out, become brittle and crack. Similarly, excessive heat can accelerate the deterioration of certain materials, leading to fading and degradation of organic components, while extreme cold can make materials more brittle and susceptible to damage.
The expansion and contraction of materials in response to changes in environmental conditions can lead to physical damage such as warping of wood frames or panels, cracking of paint surfaces and distortion of paper. Such changes can significantly affect the aesthetic and structural integrity of artworks, potentially leading to costly restorations or irreversible damage.
Implementing a climate control system is one of the most effective ways to maintain a stable environment for art collections. In spaces dedicated to housing art, a climate control system can regulate both temperature and humidity levels, ensuring that they remain within the desired range. For those without access to such systems, using a simple humidifier or dehumidifier can help manage humidity levels, while air conditioners or heaters can be used to moderate temperature. However, it’s important to monitor these devices closely to avoid creating conditions that could inadvertently harm the artwork.
Proper Handling and Transportation:
Handling and transporting artworks requires meticulous care and attention to detail to prevent any potential damage. Whether you’re moving a work to a new location within your home or transporting it to a different venue, the way you handle and protect the artwork is crucial. Starting with the basics, it’s imperative to have clean, dry hands when touching the art. The natural oils and dirt on our hands can adhere to the surfaces of artworks, leading to stains or degradation over time.
When preparing artworks for movement, ensuring that they are securely wrapped and protected is essential. For framed works, the use of corner protectors is a key step. These protectors shield the vulnerable corners of frames from knocks and bumps that can occur during handling and transportation. Once the corners are safeguarded, wrapping the artwork in bubble wrap or a soft, non-abrasive material is the next step. This layer of protection cushions the artwork, providing a buffer against physical shocks and vibrations that can cause damage such as cracked glass, punctured canvas, or scraped surfaces.
Professional Framing and Mounting:
Investing in quality framing is a crucial step in the preservation of art, acting as a frontline defence against various elements that can damage your artworks over time. Quality framing involves more than just choosing an aesthetically pleasing border; it’s about creating a protective environment that shields the artwork from environmental hazards such as light, humidity and physical damage.
One of the key components of protective framing is the use of acid-free mats and backing materials. Over time, materials that contain acids can cause artwork to become discoloured and brittle, significantly affecting its appearance and integrity. Acid-free materials, on the other hand, are specifically treated to neutralise acids and are designed to maintain a pH-neutral environment around the artwork. This prevents the damaging acidic reactions and ensures that the artwork remains in its original state for a longer period.
For canvas artworks, the manner in which they are stretched and mounted is fundamental to their longevity. Properly stretched canvases are tightly secured to stretcher bars or panels to prevent warping or sagging over time. A canvas that is not properly stretched can become loose over time, leading to unsightly distortions and potential damage to the painted surface. Moreover, ensuring that the canvas is mounted correctly in the frame, with adequate space to allow for natural expansion and contraction due to changes in humidity, is vital to avoiding undue stress on the artwork.
Insurance & Documentation:
Maintaining a detailed record of your art collection is an essential aspect of art preservation and management. This documentation should encompass high-quality photographs of each work, along with any associated receipts, proof of authenticity and appraisals. Such records serve multiple important functions, not least of which is providing invaluable information for insurance purposes and aiding in the meticulous management of your personal inventory. Insurance for your art collection is a critical measure to protect against potential loss, theft or damage. This not only safeguards your financial investment but also provides a peace of mind, knowing that you are protected against unforeseen circumstances.
Conclusion:
Caring for your art collection at home doesn’t require you to be a museum curator, but adopting some professional practices can significantly enhance the longevity and enjoyment of your artworks. By paying attention to light exposure, climate control, proper handling, and regular maintenance, you can ensure that your collection remains vibrant and valuable for years to come. Remember, the key to preserving art is not just about protecting an investment; it’s about safeguarding a legacy of cultural and personal significance.