The life cycle of art has never ended with the artist’s final brushstrokes. Every artwork’s destiny – surviving to please future generations or degrading in a dark, dusty corner – is determined by the quality and thoroughness of the art canvas storage its owner is ready to organize. While a desire to protect and preserve one’s art legacy has always been natural for art owners, the technical capacity and understanding of factors affecting art were lacking. Here is a sneak peek into how art storage has been changing over time.
How Was Art Stored in Old Times?
In old times, the choice of art canvas storage spaces and solutions was largely determined by the availability of free space. Basements, attics, and spare rooms were used as studios and storage rooms due to their convenience. However, the environmental conditions in those spaces were often far from ideal, with excessive humidity causing mold development, and temperature swings contributing to canvas warping and cracking. In addition, storage of art in an unpacked form or with scarce packaging allowed free access to dust and pests. As a result, some art pieces couldn’t withstand the negative influence of external factors and degraded at a faster pace.
Evolution of Storage Solutions
The major turning point in art storage organization happened with the advent of archival-grade packaging materials. Cardboard and wooden storage racks gave way to acid-free, chemically stable packaging alternatives. The latter could prevent off-gassing and discoloration of canvases, thus contributing to their conservation and environmental stabilization. Art storage experts also started using protective sleeves and interleaving using buffered, pH-neutral fibers to extend the shelf life of canvas art and prevent its quick degradation.
Another breakthrough in art preservation happened when conservation experts realized the harm caused by UV radiation. Canvases used to be hung near windows to let daylight emphasize their beauty. However, such exposure caused quick pigment fading, forcing art protection experts to introduce UV-filtering glass and UV-blocking filters for art preservation.
Present-Day Art Canvas Storage Standards
At present, the golden standard of specialized art storage includes thorough packaging with museum-grade materials that prevent the infiltration of moisture, dust, and pests into the insulated packaging. An additional protective layer is guaranteed with UV protection, with UV blockers installed on all windows of art storage spaces. Climate control is also a must in contemporary storage, with temperature and humidity remaining under strict control. As a result, art conservation thrives in well-controlled conditions, informed by the evolution of art conservation science.