If you’re an owner of a contemporary art collection, who wants to rotate the works on display, you will need to learn how to store contemporary art sooner or later. Some people believe that contemporary artwork requires distinct treatment compared to Old Masters, but this is largely a misconception. All artwork is valuable and delicate; besides, it’s vulnerable to the impact of environmental conditions. Here, we recap the main rules of art storage to equip you with the necessary knowledge to keep your collection safe and sound.
How to Store Contemporary Art? Rules and Nuances for Art Owners
Climate Control Considerations
Proper environmental conditions are key to art preservation, which is also true for contemporary art. That’s why you should always take care of the right temperature range of 18-24 degrees Celsius (64-75 degrees Fahrenheit) in the storage room and the relative humidity range of 40-50%. These are the optimal conditions for long-term storage with minimal risks of art deterioration.
Packaging Rules for Artwork
Contemporary art requires acid-free, professional storage materials to stay intact to a variety of harmful external factors. Thus, you need to use only acid-free storage boxes and apply safe covers (e.g., glassine paper, art plastic, kraft bubble, and foam sheets) when packaging artwork. We also recommend that you frame the paintings with archival-quality materials and apply glass with a UV protection feature.
How to Organize the Right Storage Space?
The first important consideration for organizing your storage room is to keep it clean. Contemporary art may quickly accumulate dust, mold, and pests if you store the artworks in a dirty room. Second, you need to ensure proper ventilation and air filtration in the art storage, which can minimize the risk of contamination and art degradation.
It also makes sense to install specialized storage furniture, like metal shelves and racks, to store contemporary art safely. If you have art prints in your collection or other non-framed paintings, you may use flat acid-free files for storage.
Fine Art Shippers Can Do Things Right for Your Collection
Now you know how to store contemporary art and avoid the common blunders that have ruined many collections. However, if you’re unsure about your ability to organize a well-equipped and safe storage space for your collection, it’s better to partner with professionals in this area. We at Fine Art Shippers have been working with contemporary art for almost three decades, so we can give your property the right treatment it deserves. Contact us to learn more about our art storage options and terms.