An unattended collection of art may quickly degrade into chaos for many reasons. If you inherit a disorderly artwork collection that requires attention, you will need to go a long way to bring things back to order with proper cataloging efforts. Here are some valuable tips for getting started.
Where to Start When Organizing an Artwork Collection?
Since cataloging is at the heart of a thoughtful, sustainable approach to art preservation and management, you need to create a proper system to bring your collection into a more organized state. The first step in this process is to figure out whether all art pieces need to stay, and what your ultimate goal of the cataloging effort will be.
So, why are you working on this art collection? Are you just cleaning space, or do you want to evaluate the inherited art possessions for the sake of getting at least a rough estimate of their market value? Do you want to lend or gift some notable artworks to local museums or galleries? Are you considering a sale of expensive items?
Any of these goals will take considerable effort to accomplish, and you need to either master the art of cataloging and art inventory management on your own or invite a professional art manager to assist you.
Steps for Art Collection Organization
Once you have determined the goals of your artwork collection management efforts, it’s time to proceed to practical organization work.
#1 Categorize the items
Inheriting a large, disorderly collection doesn’t mean that you are rich now. Many items may belong to unknown artists or be in very poor condition, especially if the art was neglected for a long time. So, your first step is making categories for each item, such as:
- items you want to donate;
- ruined artwork that will go to trash or recycling;
- items that will remain with you and need to be properly cataloged;
- items you are planning to gift.
#2 Clean the artwork
Make sure you clean the surfaces of all art objects prepared for storage or transportation. Their surfaces need to be free from dust and dirt before packaging so that the accumulating particles don’t ruin them.
#3 Prepare artwork for allocation
Once you understand which items will stay and which ones will leave, you need to make arrangements with the receiving galleries, museums, and philanthropes to whom you gift or donate artwork. After receiving a confirmation, you will need to package art using professional, acid-free materials and proper boxes or crates. These measures will help you ensure the artwork’s safe transportation and arrival at the destination point without trouble.
Here you go with the key tips for sorting out an inherited collection of art. Start with these points to see where your cataloging efforts will lead you.