Art Talk is a series of rotating columns which explore current issues in the art market.


ART LAW
ART THEFT
ART TERMS
ART LINKS
BOOKS
COLLECTING CONTEMPORARY
DAMAGED ART
DETERMINING THE VALUE OF
DONATED ART

INVESTING IN ART
INSURING FINE ART
· Prevention is Better Than Loss
· Artwork Display
· Storage
· Theft/Burglary
· Hypothetical Scenario

ARTWORK DISPLAY

Keep art collections out of direct sunlight. Ultraviolet light will cause severe and often irreversible damage to art, especially paper, textitles and photographs. Turn off all lights and keep curtains or shades drawn when the room is not being used. In rooms containing many fine art items, consider installing UV filtering film on windows, and frame all artwork with UV plexiglass instead of glass (this will also make it possible to ship the artwork in the frame).

Hire a professional and recommended art hanger. Objects must be hung correctly to ensure support and reduce the chance of falling. A professional art hanger will use proper hardware and structural supports fit for your piece.

Keep your home at a constant temperature of approximately 75°F and 55% relative humidity. Since home thermostats are imprecise, install a compact digital thermohygrometer to monitor humidity and temperature.

Make sure you check the backgrounds of all household employees who have access to your house when you are away.

Frame all art, especially paper, textiles and photographs using "museum quality" materials. Shatter-resistant fronts can shield damaging UV rays and other exposures, while corrugated polypropylene backings protect against water-absorption. Consult a museum-quality framer or conservator for specific advice about framing different mediums.

Even the heaviest and bulkiest garden statuary is vulnerable to theft. Display outdoor artwork close to the house where it cannot be seen by passers by and anchor whenever possible. Consider security lighting and/or CCTV for these kinds of artwork.