8.3 Storage and handling of art
5 min read•august 15, 2024
Proper storage and handling of art is crucial for preserving cultural heritage. This topic covers best practices for safely moving, storing, and caring for artworks. From specialized techniques to environmental controls, it's all about protecting precious objects from damage.
Conservators must consider materials, equipment, and storage space design to safeguard art. Training staff in proper procedures is essential. By mastering these practices, we can ensure artworks survive for future generations to study and enjoy.
Best Practices for Art Handling and Storage
Specialized Handling Techniques
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- Art handling requires specialized knowledge and techniques to prevent damage during movement and storage
- Use proper gloves to avoid transferring oils and contaminants
- Employ support materials (acid-free boards, ) to distribute weight evenly
- Utilize handling equipment (, ) for safe transportation
- Different art media require specific handling protocols based on their unique properties
- Paintings need vertical support and minimal contact with painted surfaces
- Sculptures often require custom-fitted supports and multiple handlers
- Works on paper demand careful handling to prevent creasing or tearing
- Environmental factors must be controlled during transportation and storage
- Maintain stable temperature (typically 68-72°F) and (45-55%)
- Limit light exposure, especially UV radiation (use filters, protective coverings)
- Control air quality through filtration systems to remove pollutants and particulates
Packing and Transportation
- Proper packing techniques and materials are essential for safe transportation
- Use custom-fitted crates with foam inserts to minimize movement
- Apply (, ) to protect fragile areas
- Employ for long-distance transport
- Documentation and are crucial before and after handling or transportation
- Photograph artwork from multiple angles to record existing condition
- Note any existing damage, repairs, or areas of concern
- Compare pre and post-transport condition to identify any changes
- Implement and mitigation strategies for all activities
- Identify potential hazards (vibration, impact, environmental fluctuations)
- Develop for unexpected events (accidents, weather delays)
- Train personnel in proper emergency response procedures
Storage Materials and Equipment Selection
Chemical Stability and Preservation
- Storage materials must be chemically stable and inert to prevent off-gassing
- Avoid materials that release harmful compounds (certain plastics, untreated wood)
- Use tested for long-term stability
- Acid-free and lignin-free materials are essential for storing organic materials
- Employ for interleaving delicate textiles
- Use for archival storage of works on paper
- Specialized storage equipment should be selected based on object characteristics
- Install with adjustable arms to accommodate various sizes
- Utilize to distribute weight and prevent pressure points
- Employ with custom-fit inserts for small, fragile objects
Environmental Control and Monitoring
- may be necessary for particularly sensitive objects
- Use to regulate humidity within sealed display cases
- Employ for extremely sensitive metals or organics
- Proper support materials must be used to prevent stress during long-term storage
- Cut ethafoam to create custom-fit cradles for three-dimensional objects
- Use acid-free tissue to pad folds in textiles, preventing creases
- Regular inspection and replacement of storage materials is necessary
- Implement a schedule for checking condition of storage materials
- Replace degraded or compromised materials promptly to maintain protection
Storage Space Design for Art Collections
Environmental Control and Safety Measures
- Design storage spaces with proper environmental controls
- Install capable of maintaining stable temperature (68-72°F)
- Use humidification/dehumidification equipment to control relative humidity (45-55%)
- Implement adequate ventilation and
- Install to remove airborne particulates and pollutants
- Ensure proper air circulation to prevent stagnant areas prone to mold growth
- Install proper lighting systems to minimize light exposure
- Use to reduce heat and harmful radiation
- Incorporate motion sensors to limit unnecessary light exposure
Space Optimization and Accessibility
- Maximize space efficiency while ensuring easy access to art objects
- Design compact storage systems (, vertical racks) for space optimization
- Maintain appropriate aisle widths (minimum 36 inches) for safe navigation
- Integrate security measures into storage space design
- Install controlled access systems (key cards, )
- Implement appropriate for art materials (clean agents, water mist)
- Develop comprehensive (regular inspections, traps)
- Develop plans for storage areas
- Create prioritized lists of objects for emergency evacuation
- Designate safe zones within the facility for temporary relocation
- Conduct regular drills to familiarize staff with emergency procedures
Training for Art Handling and Storage Procedures
Theoretical and Practical Skills Development
- Conduct comprehensive training programs covering conservation principles
- Educate staff on basic chemistry and material science relevant to art preservation
- Explain the impact of environmental factors on different art materials
- Provide hands-on training exercises for practical skill development
- Practice proper lifting techniques for various object types and weights
- Demonstrate correct use of handling equipment (gloves, carts, lifts)
- Conduct packing workshops using different materials and methods
- Educate staff on specific vulnerabilities of different art media
- Highlight sensitivities of pigments to light exposure in paintings
- Explain risks of mechanical stress on joints and weak points in sculptures
- Demonstrate proper handling of brittle or degraded materials in historical objects
Documentation and Emergency Preparedness
- Instruct on proper documentation procedures
- Train staff in detailed condition reporting techniques
- Teach proper use of collection management software for tracking object movements
- Integrate emergency response protocols into training programs
- Conduct simulations of various emergency scenarios (fire, flood, theft)
- Train staff in proper use of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, protective gear)
- Provide regular refresher courses and updates on best practices
- Schedule annual training sessions to reinforce key concepts
- Disseminate information on new conservation techniques and materials as they develop
Key Terms to Review (48)
Acid-free paper: Acid-free paper is a type of paper that has a neutral or alkaline pH level, which prevents the deterioration and yellowing commonly associated with acidic papers. This characteristic is crucial for preserving art and archival materials, as it significantly increases the longevity and stability of documents and artworks when stored or displayed.
Acid-free tissue paper: Acid-free tissue paper is a type of paper that has been specifically manufactured to have a neutral pH, making it safe for preserving and storing delicate items, such as artwork or documents. This paper is essential in preventing deterioration and damage caused by acid migration from the paper itself or from other materials, ensuring long-term preservation of valuable items during storage and handling.
AIC Guidelines: The AIC Guidelines are a set of standards established by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, designed to promote best practices in the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage. These guidelines cover various aspects of conservation, addressing ethical considerations, treatment methods, documentation processes, and environmental factors that impact art and artifacts.
Air filtration systems: Air filtration systems are technologies designed to remove particulate matter, contaminants, and pollutants from the air, ensuring a clean and safe environment. These systems are essential in controlling the quality of the air in spaces where sensitive materials, such as artworks and artifacts, are stored or displayed. By filtering out harmful particles, these systems play a vital role in preserving the integrity of art by preventing damage from dust, mold, and other airborne pollutants.
Archival boxes: Archival boxes are specially designed storage containers used to protect and preserve artworks, documents, and textiles from environmental damage and deterioration. These boxes are made from acid-free materials that prevent harmful chemical reactions, ensuring the longevity of the items stored inside. Proper use of archival boxes is essential in safeguarding collections, especially in the context of effective storage and handling techniques, as well as the preservation of delicate materials like textiles and fibers.
Art cradles: Art cradles are supportive structures used to stabilize and protect artworks, particularly paintings on canvas, during handling, transportation, and storage. They provide a solid backing that prevents warping or damage while ensuring the artwork remains accessible for conservation or exhibition. Cradles are essential in maintaining the integrity of the artwork, minimizing stress on the canvas, and allowing for safe storage and display.
Biometric scanners: Biometric scanners are devices that capture and analyze unique physical characteristics, such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris patterns, to verify an individual's identity. These technologies enhance security measures by providing reliable authentication methods that go beyond traditional passwords or ID cards. As such, they play a vital role in ensuring the protection and preservation of art by controlling access to sensitive storage areas and handling processes.
Bubble wrap: Bubble wrap is a packaging material consisting of a plastic sheet with small air-filled bubbles, designed to provide cushioning and protection to fragile items during storage and transport. This innovative material is widely used in the art world to safeguard delicate artworks and artifacts from impact and vibration, ensuring their integrity is maintained while being handled or moved.
Chemical Stability: Chemical stability refers to the ability of a substance to maintain its chemical composition and properties over time, resisting changes due to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and exposure to light or other chemicals. This concept is critical in various fields, especially in preserving artworks, where maintaining the integrity of materials is essential for their longevity and appearance. Understanding chemical stability helps conservators select appropriate methods for analysis and treatment, ensure safe storage, and evaluate new materials and techniques for effective preservation.
Climate Control: Climate control refers to the management of environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure to ensure the preservation of artworks and cultural heritage materials. This concept is vital in various settings, from storage and exhibition spaces to the conservation and restoration processes, helping to mitigate risks associated with deterioration.
Climate-controlled vehicles: Climate-controlled vehicles are specialized transport units equipped with systems that regulate temperature and humidity to protect sensitive items during transit. These vehicles are crucial for preserving artworks, antiques, and other delicate materials that can be adversely affected by fluctuations in environmental conditions. Properly maintained climate control ensures that artworks remain in optimal conditions, preventing damage such as warping, fading, or mold growth.
Condition Reporting: Condition reporting is a systematic process used to assess and document the physical state of an artwork or object, identifying its current condition, any existing damages, and the potential risks it may face in storage or display. This practice is vital for ensuring the long-term preservation of artworks, helping conservators make informed decisions about necessary treatments and appropriate storage conditions.
Conservation-grade materials: Conservation-grade materials are specially designed substances that meet specific standards for preserving and protecting artworks, artifacts, and historical objects. These materials are crucial in storage and handling as they ensure that the integrity and longevity of the items being preserved are maintained, preventing damage from environmental factors, chemical reactions, or physical stress.
Contingency Plans: Contingency plans are proactive strategies developed to address potential emergencies or unforeseen events that may impact the storage and handling of art. These plans ensure that measures are in place to protect artworks from risks such as theft, damage, or environmental factors. By anticipating potential threats, effective contingency plans help institutions respond quickly and efficiently to preserve the integrity of valuable artworks.
Crating: Crating refers to the process of constructing a protective wooden or cardboard container to safely transport and store artworks and artifacts. This method is essential in ensuring that the items remain secure during transit or when they are in storage, minimizing the risk of damage from physical impact, environmental factors, and other potential hazards. Crating involves careful planning and attention to detail to accommodate the unique dimensions and requirements of each piece, making it a critical practice in art conservation and handling.
Disaster preparedness: Disaster preparedness refers to the proactive measures and plans implemented to minimize the impact of unforeseen events that could damage cultural heritage, including natural disasters, accidents, or human-made incidents. Effective disaster preparedness involves establishing protocols for environmental monitoring and control, ensuring safe storage and handling of art, and developing career paths that include training in emergency response for conservation professionals.
Dollies: Dollies are wheeled devices used to transport heavy or large items, such as artwork, sculptures, and other valuable artifacts safely and efficiently. These tools are crucial in the storage and handling of art, as they reduce the risk of damage to the pieces being moved. By utilizing dollies, conservators and art handlers can maintain the integrity of delicate materials while ensuring that items are relocated with minimal effort and maximum care.
Ethafoam cradles: Ethafoam cradles are custom-made support structures used to securely hold and protect artworks and artifacts during storage or transport. These cradles are made from a lightweight, durable, and chemically stable material that helps prevent physical damage, vibration, and environmental exposure. Their design is tailored to the specific shape and needs of the object they support, ensuring that delicate items are safeguarded against potential harm.
Fire suppression systems: Fire suppression systems are specialized technologies designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires in various environments, particularly those housing valuable collections like art. These systems play a crucial role in protecting artworks and artifacts by minimizing damage from flames, heat, and smoke, while ensuring that preservation efforts are prioritized during emergencies. They can include sprinklers, gas-based systems, or chemical agents tailored to the specific needs of art storage facilities.
Foam padding: Foam padding refers to a cushioning material made from synthetic or natural foam that is used to protect artworks and artifacts during storage and handling. This material absorbs shocks and provides support, reducing the risk of damage from impacts, pressure, or environmental changes. Its lightweight and flexible nature makes it ideal for use in various applications within art conservation, ensuring that items remain safe and stable.
Foam sheets: Foam sheets are versatile materials made from expanded polymers, commonly used in the storage and handling of artworks due to their lightweight, cushioning properties. They provide essential protection for delicate items by acting as a buffer against physical shocks and preventing abrasion, which is crucial in preserving the integrity of art pieces during transport and storage. These sheets can be cut to size and used in various configurations to create custom support structures for different types of artworks.
Getty Fire Incident: The Getty Fire Incident refers to a significant wildfire that broke out in Los Angeles, California, in October 2019, threatening the Getty Center, an iconic art museum and cultural institution. This incident highlighted the critical importance of fire safety and preparedness in the storage and handling of art collections, particularly in regions prone to wildfires. The Getty Center's state-of-the-art design and emergency protocols were tested during this event, demonstrating how art institutions can protect their collections from environmental threats.
Gloves usage: Gloves usage refers to the practice of wearing protective gloves to prevent contamination or damage while handling artworks and artifacts. This practice is crucial in art conservation and restoration, as it helps maintain the integrity of the items being handled, safeguarding them from dirt, oils, and moisture that can lead to deterioration. Proper glove usage also fosters a culture of care and respect for valuable cultural heritage.
HEPA Filters: HEPA filters, or High-Efficiency Particulate Air filters, are advanced filtration systems designed to capture at least 99.97% of airborne particles that are 0.3 microns in size or larger. These filters are essential in maintaining a clean and stable environment for sensitive items, particularly in art storage and handling, where the preservation of artworks is paramount.
Humidification equipment: Humidification equipment refers to devices and systems used to control and maintain the moisture levels in the air, ensuring optimal humidity for the preservation of art and artifacts. These tools are crucial for preventing damage caused by low humidity, such as cracking, warping, or deterioration of materials like wood, paper, and textiles. Proper use of humidification equipment helps create a stable environment that protects sensitive items during storage and handling.
HVAC Systems: HVAC systems, which stand for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, are integrated technologies designed to manage indoor environmental comfort by regulating temperature, humidity, and air quality. These systems are critical for preserving art and artifacts as they ensure stable climate conditions that protect materials from damage caused by fluctuations in temperature and moisture levels. Properly functioning HVAC systems can significantly enhance the longevity and condition of artworks during both storage and display.
ISO Standards: ISO standards are internationally recognized guidelines and specifications developed by the International Organization for Standardization that ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across various sectors. These standards help in establishing a common framework to ensure best practices in processes, materials, and management systems, thereby enhancing trust and consistency in both production and conservation practices.
Light exposure management: Light exposure management refers to the strategies and practices used to control and limit the exposure of artworks to light, in order to prevent deterioration and damage. Effective management of light exposure is crucial for the preservation of art, as excessive light can lead to fading, discoloration, and structural degradation of materials over time. This involves understanding the types of light sources, measuring light levels, and implementing protective measures such as barriers or controlled environments.
Lignin-free boxes: Lignin-free boxes are storage containers made from materials that do not contain lignin, a complex organic polymer found in the cell walls of many plants. These boxes are crucial for preserving artwork and artifacts as they prevent damage from acidic compounds that can leach from lignin-containing materials. By using lignin-free materials, conservators help ensure long-term stability and protection for valuable items, which is essential for proper storage and handling in art conservation.
Microclimate enclosures: Microclimate enclosures are specialized structures designed to create and maintain controlled environmental conditions for artworks and artifacts. These enclosures help regulate factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, which are crucial for the preservation of sensitive materials. By providing a stable environment, microclimate enclosures protect artworks from fluctuations that could lead to deterioration, making them essential in the storage and handling of art.
Mobile shelving: Mobile shelving is a storage solution that consists of movable shelving units mounted on tracks, allowing for efficient use of space in storing art and artifacts. This system maximizes storage capacity by minimizing aisles and can be adjusted based on the specific needs of the collection, making it an ideal choice for galleries, museums, and conservation facilities.
Oxygen-free environments: Oxygen-free environments refer to spaces that have significantly reduced or eliminated oxygen levels, creating conditions that can prevent oxidation and degradation of materials. These environments are critical in preserving artworks and artifacts, as exposure to oxygen can lead to chemical reactions that cause deterioration over time. Maintaining low or no oxygen levels is essential for the long-term storage and handling of sensitive materials, particularly in the context of art conservation and restoration.
Padded sculpture mounts: Padded sculpture mounts are specialized support structures designed to stabilize and protect three-dimensional artworks, particularly sculptures, during storage and handling. These mounts typically feature soft padding materials that minimize the risk of damage from impact, vibration, or environmental changes, ensuring that the sculpture maintains its integrity and aesthetic appearance. Proper use of padded mounts is crucial for the long-term preservation of sculptures in various settings.
Padding: Padding refers to the materials used to cushion and protect art objects during storage and handling, ensuring they remain safe from physical damage such as scratches, dents, and environmental factors. Proper padding is essential for minimizing movement and shock, allowing for the safe transport of artworks while also preventing deterioration caused by contact with surfaces or other objects.
Painting carts: Painting carts are specialized mobile storage units designed for the safe transportation and storage of artworks, particularly paintings. These carts provide protection from physical damage, environmental factors, and ease of handling, making them essential tools for art conservation and restoration practices.
Painting racks: Painting racks are specialized storage systems designed to hold and protect artworks, particularly paintings, during storage and handling. These racks allow for vertical or horizontal placement of artworks, minimizing the risk of damage from stacking or contact with other surfaces. Proper use of painting racks is essential for maintaining the condition of artworks and facilitating safe access for conservation and restoration efforts.
Pest management protocols: Pest management protocols are systematic approaches designed to control and prevent pest infestations in art storage and display environments. These protocols encompass a range of strategies, from monitoring and identification to the implementation of preventive measures and treatment options. By ensuring the integrity of artworks, these protocols help maintain the long-term preservation of cultural heritage materials.
Photograph documentation: Photograph documentation is the systematic process of capturing and recording the visual details of artworks and artifacts through photography. This practice serves to create a visual archive that supports both the preservation and study of the objects, enabling conservators to track condition changes over time, document treatments, and facilitate research and exhibitions.
Preventive Conservation: Preventive conservation refers to the proactive measures taken to protect and preserve artworks and cultural heritage from deterioration and damage. This approach emphasizes minimizing risks and creating optimal conditions for the preservation of art by addressing potential threats before they can cause harm.
Relative Humidity: Relative humidity is the measure of the amount of moisture present in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at a given temperature, expressed as a percentage. It plays a critical role in the preservation of materials, impacting their physical properties and overall condition. Understanding relative humidity helps assess environmental conditions for artworks, manage their storage, and determine appropriate handling practices, especially for sensitive materials like textiles and fibers.
Risk assessment: Risk assessment is the process of identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing risks to determine their potential impact on an object, project, or collection. This involves understanding the likelihood of adverse effects occurring and the severity of those effects, allowing conservators and restorers to make informed decisions on how to mitigate risks. It plays a crucial role in various aspects of art conservation, including cleaning procedures, proper storage and handling of artworks, and effective project planning.
Shock-absorbing materials: Shock-absorbing materials are substances designed to absorb and dissipate energy from impacts, reducing the risk of damage to fragile items. These materials play a crucial role in protecting art during storage and handling, as they can cushion the effects of shocks, vibrations, and sudden movements that might otherwise harm valuable artworks.
Silica gel: Silica gel is a granular, porous form of silicon dioxide, commonly used as a desiccant to control humidity and moisture in various environments. By absorbing water vapor from the air, it helps protect sensitive materials, including artworks and artifacts, from mold growth, corrosion, and degradation. Its ability to maintain a stable environment makes it an essential tool in the storage and handling of art.
Supporting structures: Supporting structures refer to the physical elements that provide stability, strength, and protection to artworks during storage and handling. These structures can be made from various materials and designs, tailored to meet the specific needs of different types of art, including paintings, sculptures, and textiles. The use of appropriate supporting structures is crucial in preventing damage and preserving the integrity of the artwork.
Temperature regulation: Temperature regulation refers to the control and maintenance of an optimal temperature range that is essential for the preservation of artworks and artifacts. This regulation is vital for preventing damage caused by extreme heat, humidity, or cold, which can lead to deterioration in materials like paint, wood, and photographic film. Understanding temperature regulation helps in ensuring the longevity and stability of various art forms and their storage conditions.
The British Museum Storage Crisis: The British Museum Storage Crisis refers to the significant issues faced by the British Museum regarding the inadequate storage space for its vast collection of artifacts, resulting in challenges for preservation, access, and management. This crisis highlights the difficulties museums face in balancing the need for exhibiting items with the responsibility of protecting and conserving them, particularly as collections continue to grow over time.
Trolleys: Trolleys are wheeled carts designed for the safe transport of artworks, artifacts, and other items in the art conservation and restoration field. They play a crucial role in handling and moving sensitive pieces, helping to minimize risks associated with damage during storage, transit, or display. The use of trolleys ensures that artworks remain secure and stable, reducing the potential for vibrations or accidents that could lead to deterioration or loss.
Uv-filtered led lights: UV-filtered LED lights are lighting systems designed to emit visible light while significantly reducing or eliminating ultraviolet (UV) radiation. These lights are particularly valuable in the storage and handling of art, as they help to prevent damage caused by UV exposure, which can lead to fading and deterioration of sensitive materials like paintings, textiles, and paper.