One of the best parts of collecting art is being able to display it and enjoy it. However, as your collection continues to grow, you may end up running out of space. When this happens, you need to think about storage solutions, whether that means converting a room in your home to a storage space or finding facilities elsewhere that can accommodate the pieces. The exact needs of the storage space will depend largely on the pieces that you have in your collection; storing a photography collection looks much different than storing a sculpture collection. However, there are some important points about the storage space that apply to nearly all collections. These points include the following:
1. Control the humidity.
If the environment where you store your art is humid, mold and mildew can grow. This risk increases if you stack pieces together, as humidity can get trapped between them and result in mold growth. Unfortunately, mold can even grow between the different layers of material used in a piece, which would result in irreparable damage. Mold is always difficult to remove—sometimes impossible—so prevention is key. Allow for airflow between canvases and use acid-free paper between stacked photographs. High humidity can also cause fungus to grow in any wooden parts on a piece and result in rot. Aside from that, high humidity can cause wooden parts to swell and warp. This also happens to canvases and can be problematic when humidity reduces, as the swelling and shrinking process can make paint flake off over time.
If you are storing in a place with high or fluctuating humidity, you must control it. Keeping humidity between 30 percent and 60 percent is ideal. Never store art in a place that is not climate controlled.
2. Minimize temperature changes.
Another issue you will encounter in storing art is temperature. Just as humidity makes porous materials swell, heat causes organic materials to expand. These materials then contract when the temperature decreases. In time, these fluctuations will make paint crack and cause pieces to warp. Even inorganic materials can suffer from temperature fluctuations. For example, vintage photos will delaminate when left in hot environments. This is another reason why climate control is so important for art storage. For the most part, art should be stored at 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius) with minimal shifts over time.
3. Insure your entire art collection.
Because you never know what might happen to a storage location, insure your collection. With the right insurance, you are protected from fire, flood, theft, and many other events. For beginning collectors who store their art at home, basic homeowners’ insurance will likely provide the right coverage. However, you should review coverage limits with your insurer so that you know when to seek out new options, such as a policy rider or a new plan. Keep in mind that insurers will need high-resolution photos of all pieces and a professional appraisal for any plan meant specifically for art. Shop around with different insurers to make sure you get a plan that is comprehensive yet affordable. Many basic homeowners’ insurance plans will cover items stored outside the home, but it is important to verify this detail in addition to coverage limits.
4. Protect artwork with frames and boxes.
Even when in storage, you need to ensure that your artwork is adequately protected. For paintings, this often means putting it in a frame. However, you could also use a cloth to cover it or pack it in a box. Always use archival storage boxes that do not contain acid. This protects the art from any airborne debris like dust, which can build up and cause damage over time.
Also, consider the possibility of pests. Bugs and rodents often go after wooden components, including canvas frames. For this reason, storing pieces in boxes is often the best option. However, pests can sometimes get into sealed boxes, so be sure to inspect the space regularly. Should you need professional help with controlling pests, opt for chemical-free solutions or discuss possible actions with a professional.
5. Invest in a security system.
If you are storing at a professional site, it likely has its own forms of security, so review these features carefully. Whether at home or in a space you are creating, it is important to think about security, especially as your collection grows in value. Security starts with a great locking system, as well as latch reinforcements and secure hinges. You may also want to think about a video surveillance system and even motion sensors so you know when unwanted visitors arrive. If there are any windows in the storage location, glass-break sensors are also a good investment. These steps largely protect your investment by discouraging people from attempting a theft and could aid in finding the culprits should one occur. As your collection grows, so should the security features protecting it.
