The best way to increase the life of any valuable object and
decrease the risk of damage is to improve its environment, or
practice preventative conservation.
The most common and avoidable forms of damage to unique personal
property (aside from fire and smoke) include: theft and security,
temperature and humidity, lighting, mounting and supports, storage
techniques and handling.
| Theft
and Security |
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In addition to providing sufficient insurance coverage values,
resolving disputes, estimating donation values and determining
selling/buying prices, appraisals also…
- provide proof the property existed
- provide proof of the property's pre-existing condition in the event of a total loss
- facilitate claim settlement by providing a detailed inventory, description and itemized replacement cost
- aid in the recovery of stolen property
Interpol estimates that art/antique theft is
the fourth largest illegal activity after drugs, money laundering
and illegal arms trade. The statistics compiled by The Art Loss
Register show that 54% of art & antique thefts are sourced from
domestic dwellings. *
| Temperature
and Humidity (RH): |
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Rapid fluctuations in temperature and relative humidity are
harmful to objects - particularly organic objects such as works
on paper, wooden furniture, textiles, and ethnographic collections
with ivory, furs and leather. The most suitable climate for
objects (and people) is between 19 to 21 degrees Celsius. A
temperature of 20 degrees Celsius will generally stabilize for
a relative humidity (RH) of between 40%-55% -- a range comfortable
for both objects and people. It only takes about 48 hours for
mould to start to grow in high humidity (RH 65%+)!
Here are some of the effects of heat and RH:
Too much:
- promotes the corrosion of metals and leads to deterioration
- permits mould to grow on surfaces thus causing damage (called 'foxing' and evident as reddish-brown spots)
- encourages infestation; insects and vermin love organic material
- paper will absorb moisture, resulting in expansion
- dampness also causes inks to feather, stick and/or run
Too little:
- causes embrittlement which can result in splits to wood, paper
- cause irreversible dimensional changes and distortions (eg: a painting canvas may shrink, thus causing the paint to flake off and splits to the support and/or frame)
Take care to monitor the environmental controls in your home.
In more humid parts of the world, caring for organic works will
require heightened vigilance.
| Lighting: |
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Lighting has two-fold dangers; it creates heat and posses Ultra-violet
(UV) light - the most destructive part of the spectrum. The
following problems may occur with bright and sustained lighting:
- deterioration of materials resulting in: fading/darkening of prints/watercolours/photographs, the breakdown of cellulose, finishes on furniture may develop 'sun-bleaching'
- heat created by light induces the splitting of paint layers
- some paint pigments are more sensitive to the effects of light than others (eg: yellows and blues loose their intensity more quickly than other pigments)
- damage is cumulative and cannot be reversed
It is advisable not to hang works of art or place objects where
they will be subject to prolonged exposure to natural light.
Incandescent lights should be used moderately as they generate
heat and can create localized fluctuations in temperature and
relative humidity.
| Mounting
and Supports: |
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The way in which an artwork is mounted (framed) or supported,
can greatly affect its longevity and value.
- ensure all graphic art is framed with acid-free museum-quality mats to avoid discolouration of paper ('matburn'); acid also breaks down the cellulose molecule causing the paper to weaken and discolour
- a work on paper, photograph or any graphic artwork glued down to a board or rigid support will immediately cause the condition (and value) to decrease substantially
- do not nail or staple rugs/carpets to the wall - have a conservator or framer hang it properly
It is a good idea to consult with your framer, an appraiser,
conservator or museum/ gallery professional before making framing/mounting
decisions.
| Storage
Techniques: |
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People prefer (logically) to store personal property in places
out of their way - the basement, the attic, the crawlspace or
even the shed. Be aware of the environmental factors and the
element of risk inherent in these places - these locations are
exposed to extremes of humidity and temperature.
- keep objects off the ground if in basement; set items safely on a raised plinth
- keep objects out of direct light; rotating display of artworks is also a good measure
- store framed art with backs facing together
- keep unframed works flat (with sheets of acid-free tissue between them) and clamped between acid-free boards
- roll your rugs/carpets and keep them under an unbleached, cotton or linen sheet (this also prevents condensation)
- rubber is corrosive to metal; it is not a good idea to keep sterling silver flatware service held together with rubber bands
| Handling:
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The way we handle objects often leads to damage. Here are some
tips to help reduce the risk of an accident:
- pick up furniture by the body and not the drawers, handles or protrusions
- always support porcelain and silver objects from the base and use two hands, do not pick up objects by their handles
- keep artworks away from the outside walls
of your home and from heating ducts
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fingerprints leave corrosive oils behind
- on both metal and paper
- do not hang fine art over radiators, the
fireplace or in direct sunlight
- modern aerosol polishes or polishes containing silicone have a detrimental effect on objects
If damage occurs - take numerous, clear photographs and call
your broker. Do not attempt to clean or restore a damaged item
yourself.
If you require conservation or restoration services, you may
wish to contact the experts.
*www.artloss.com
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