Tips for Collecting Art for Profit and Pleasure (A Six Part Series): Part 5 – Art Conservation 101
After you have invested valuable time and resources in building an art collection, it is
It would be a shame if its value depreciates due to lack of knowledge of
Proper care and conservation of works of art. Some aging is natural and
acceptable up to a point, but deterioration or damage due to neglect is
no, especially when it can be avoided.
You’ve probably seen what moisture, light, and mold can do to photographic prints and film.
The same environmental conditions that inflict this type of damage threaten its
art pieces. In fact, with the deterioration of the environment, works of art are in more danger
than ever before. Even modern lifestyles pose a threat. Have you noticed how art
galleries and museums advise against the use of flash cameras and other artificial lights
fountains in the presence of their exhibits?
As the curator of your own collection, we recommend that you protect your art
parts of the following hazards:
Pollution
Dust, dirt, human body fluids and oils (such as perspiration), and acids are
corrosive and discoloring to art. The first three items are obvious, but where
Where do acids come from? These can be found in household cleaners, air fresheners,
chemicals found in furniture, carpets, drapes, appliances, packaging, and even
air. Direct skin contact is also detrimental to art, so handling artwork with
bare hands should be avoided.
Humidity
This may be good for the skin, but the same cannot be said for art.
Humidity, damp or moisture growers mold and cause foxing or browning
stained on art. Warehouses are often damp and poorly ventilated, the
perfect breeding ground for these evils, as well as vermin such as the silver fish and
cockroaches Even the paintings and engravings exposed on the walls can be destroyed by the
wormholes or silverfish worm tracks. Check any art on display regularly to see if there is any
potential problems.
Heat
A very dry environment can also be detrimental to art. Constant humidity of less than
40% can make works of art, especially paper or textile-based, brittle and very
fragile. Humidity should be between 40% and 60%. Modern living environments in
colder climates use central heating or radiators which can make conditions
too dry for delicate art. To minimize the problem, try placing bowls of water in
radiators
Radical temperature fluctuations can cause items to expand and contract. Art
should preferably be kept at a constant temperature, as in special exposure
rooms in museums.
Light
Art cannot be appreciated without light, but too much light is detrimental to art, as it
UV rays found in both natural and artificial light fade colors and details.
protection options
So what can you do to protect your art collection?
You can try to keep your works of art in a place relatively free of contaminants, temperature, light
and environment with humidity control. This may involve:
- purchase and installation of boxes, trunks, cabinets or special folders
- designate a specially designed room or area for your collection
- rent a specialized storage space designed to house delicate works of art
Some protection options, like metal cabinets, are pretty ugly, but they will protect
your valuables more effectively than, for example, wood. Not all materials are the same;
Acrylic plastic is preferred over glass, and acid-free paper is better than regular paper.
Here you will find some examples:
[http://www.home-museum.com/How-To-Arts/how-to_contents.htm][http://www.home-museum.com/How-To-Arts/how-to_contents.htm]
Variables can be confusing, so seek the advice of an art or archival specialist.
expert to start off on the right foot.
If you keep your precious works of art locked up and locked away, you won’t
have the pleasure of exhibiting and admiring them. That would be like having
cake and not being able to eat it. Find a balance that suits your needs.
Copyright © 2006 Carol Chua