Secure, climate-controlled, and properly equipped art storage is at the heart of any collection’s integrity and preservation. While there are many professional art storage options available, some art owners prefer not to rely on third-party services but take the task into their own hands. But how to create a private art storage space that will meet the highest security standards? Here is a glimpse of private storage arrangements you can’t ignore.
Why Opt for Private Art Storage?
First, you need to understand whether you really need a private storage space. While it gives you the benefits of easy access and ultimate control over art objects’ safety, such a project is expensive and time-consuming. Besides, it requires enough free space in your residency to host a large (and growing) art collection.
You need to be honest with yourself. Do you have valuable, fragile, and sensitive art objects that require special treatment? Does your housing pose space constraints for the collection’s size? Are there any security risks that need to be addressed in advance?
Planning Your Storage: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you’ve evaluated the private art storage project and confirmed the need and readiness to proceed with it, it’s time to start the planning process. At this point, you should document all artworks that will go to storage and make a list of their requirements and conservation needs. Next, you should determine storage goals, such as duration, budget, and accessibility needs, to make sure your private storage space is built in a way that meets all your expectations.
Another aspect of planning relates to on-site versus off-site storage. If you have enough space in your residential property, you may create storage on-site and keep it under close control. If there’s no such opportunity, you may build it off-site, but you’ll need to consider zoning and factor in the legal issues for storage space design in dedicated facilities.
Elements of Private Storage Design
An essential part of the planning process is the design and equipment of the art storage space. At this stage, you should select advanced systems for environmental control, such as temperature, humidity, air filtration, and lighting, and ensure a clear space layout and organization. Choose construction materials carefully; they should be acid-free, fire-resistant, and waterproof. Think of accessibility early on; for example, it can be improved by designing wide aisles that allow for the movement of large art objects and rolling carts or lifts for heavy artwork. Also, think of digital catalogs for artwork tracking and quick retrieval.
Private art storage is a demanding project that requires careful planning and a lot of investment. If you are concerned about the safety of your art, the Fine Art Shippers storage facility in Upper Manhattan can become a solid alternative to private storage.