Private collections of fine art can contain extremely valuable pieces that require careful handling and protection. There are many things to keep in mind, such as their secure storage, documentation, insurance, and so on. That said, whether you are an owner or a manager of one of such collections, you need to know all the ins and outs of this practice in the private setting. Fine Art Shippers has prepared a short guide on private art collection management to describe what to expect.
Private vs Public Art Collection Management
Collection management in museums is typically heavily regulated depending on local laws. Collection managers need to comply with these laws and protocols to keep precious artworks safe, monitor their condition, keep records, etc. In contrast, private collections work according to the rules set by the owner, so expectations and management activities can vary.
Private collections are usually smaller than public ones, which simplifies documentation. The size of the collection also means that private collection managers don’t need to set up a professional online system for image storage and sharing, provenance record-keeping, etc., though having one is still a plus. Similarly, fully equipped storage rooms for private collections may be smaller in size, in contrast to those in large museums and galleries where all art pieces can’t be displayed simultaneously.
Services Included in Private Art Collection Management
Management of private art collections is organized on a case-by-case basis. Private collections can request for the following services:
- Insurance assistance
- Inventory management
- Provenance tracking
- Exhibition planning
- Museum loan consultation
- Security measures
The number and complexity of services can vary depending on the number and value of art pieces in the collection. Some of the largest and most expensive private collections need top-level private art collection management, which requires the involvement of a pretty big team of professionals.
When You Do and Do Not Need Art Collection Management
Small collections typically don’t need specialized management. However, when a collection reaches a certain size or level of complexity, an owner may find themselves swamped in documentation and management tasks. In such cases, finding a professional collection manager is a great solution to keep things in order.
A manager can ensure that an owner has all up-to-date documentation, including that related to provenance, price, insurance, etc. This expert can also help keep track of each piece’s condition so that it does not lose value due to improper environmental conditions or careless handling. In this way, proper management can help not only enjoy the art pieces to the maximum but also maintain and even increase their value as investment objects.