How to Care for Your Art Collection

November 20, 2024

An art collection acts as a celebration of creativity and an expression of personal taste. Caring for your art collection is essential to ensure the beauty and value of your pieces endure.

 

At Gormleys Gallery, we are often asked how to care for your art collection? The truth is, proper care for your art collection doesn’t have to feel overwhelming, and with the right knowledge and a few thoughtful practices, you can protect your artworks from risks like environmental damage, wear, and accidents. We’ve put together this guide to offer practical tips to help you display, clean, and store your pieces safely, preserving their integrity and allowing you to enjoy them for years to come.

 

Why is Art Preservation Important?

Art can be delicate by nature, whether crafted on canvas or paper, created with oil paints or polished metals, art pieces are vulnerable to changes in their environment. Without proper care, the materials that make your artwork special can begin to deteriorate over time. Light, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can all contribute to fading colours, warping wood, or even cracking paint.


The importance of art preservation goes further than simply maintaining the physical appearance of your art piece, but actually helps protect the emotional and cultural significance of your collection. For collectors who view art as an investment, careful upkeep is equally essential to retaining and potentially increasing the artwork's financial value.

 

Best Ways to Display Your Art Collection

Jenny Belton, Still Life with Vase and Leaf

 

The way you display your art plays a significant role in its longevity. While an artwork’s placement is often dictated by aesthetic considerations, it’s equally important to think about its environment and follow some best practices for displaying your collection safely.

 

Avoid Direct Sunlight where possible 

While natural light is beautiful, it can be harmful to art. Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause fading and discoloration in artwork, particularly works on paper. For this reason, we recommend positioning your pieces away from windows where possible. Delicate works can be framed with anti uv conservation glass which will help protect them. If you have any concerns, please ask our advice or that of a picture framer.  

 

Control Humidity and Temperature

Extreme fluctuations in temperature or humidity can severely damage your art collection. Ideally, it is recommended to maintain a stable environment between 16-22°C with a relative humidity of 40-50%, avoiding placements near radiators, fireplaces, or air conditioning units. This will help prevent issues such as paint cracking or wood warping. 

 

Secure Placement

Accidental damage is one of the most common risks to art collections. For wall-mounted pieces, we recommend using secure hanging fixings that can support the artwork’s weight, while sculptures and three-dimensional works should be displayed on sturdy, level surfaces, away from areas prone to bumps or vibrations. Try to avoid the following picture hooks unless the artwork is quite light as they are prone to failure. See attached images.

 

When hanging artwork on a solid wall we recommend using a wall plug and screw and for stud walls we recommend metal self-drilling fixings.

 

Cleaning and Maintenance of Your Art Collection

Artworks require delicate handling and careful maintenance to preserve their original beauty. While cleaning may seem straightforward, improper methods can cause irreversible damage to art collections. 

 

Paintings

Paintings should be dusted lightly with a soft, natural-bristle brush, ensuring no pressure is applied to the surface. Avoid using any cleaning solutions or water, as they can react with the paint or varnish. If your painting is showing signs of dirt accumulation or discoloration, it’s best to consult a professional conservator rather than attempting a deep clean yourself.

 

Sculptures

Sculptural works vary widely in material and require tailored care. For bronze or metal sculptures, a dry microfiber cloth can be used to remove dust. Avoid abrasive materials that might scratch the surface. For delicate materials such as marble or ceramics, professional advice is recommended before undertaking any cleaning.

 

Works on Paper

Artworks on paper, including drawings, prints, or pastels, are particularly fragile. Use a soft brush to remove dust, but do not touch the surface with your hands, as oils from your skin can cause staining or smudging. Always keep paper works framed behind UV-protective glass to shield them from environmental exposure.

 

Storing Your Art Collection 

Stephen Forbes, Nomads, 2024

 

When artworks are not on display, proper storage is crucial to prevent damage from environmental factors, pests, or accidental mishandling. Here are some best practices for storing your collection:

 

Climate Control

Your storage space should maintain a stable temperature and humidity levels. Because of this, it is recommended to avoid attics, basements, or garages, as these areas are prone to extreme fluctuations and dampness, which can lead to warping, mould, or cracking in your art collection.

 

Protective Materials

Ensure you use acid-free materials to protect your artworks. For example, for paintings, you could cover the front with acid-free tissue paper but avoid wrapping too tightly, as it can trap moisture. Works on paper should be stored flat in archival boxes or between acid-free mats.

 

Positioning

Paintings should be stored upright and never stacked directly on top of one another. If stacking is unavoidable, it is recommended to use padding such as foam board or felt between each piece to prevent scratching or pressure damage..

 

Sculptures and Fragile Pieces

Sculptures should be placed on stable, padded surfaces and securely covered to prevent dust accumulation. For particularly fragile or intricate works, we recommend to consider custom storage crates or enclosures.

 

Working with a Professional Conservator

Mark Rode, Perpetual Motion

 

Certain situations call for the expertise of a professional conservator to ensure your artwork's integrity and longevity. For example, if a painting begins to show signs of flaking, cracking, or discoloration, or if a sculpture has visible chips or scratches, professional restoration can stabilise the piece and restore its original beauty without compromising its authenticity. On top of this, some artworks, especially older or mixed-media pieces, can accumulate grime or discoloration over a prolonged period of time and attempting to clean these yourself often risks causing more harm than good. With specialised knowledge and tools, a conservator can safely clean and rejuvenate your piece while maintaining its delicate balance of materials. 


Overall, periodic condition assessments by professionals are particularly important for older or high-value art pieces, as they can identify hidden issues such as structural weaknesses or mould before they become severe. 

 

To find a reputable conservator, look for professionals with experience in the specific medium of your artwork. Gormleys’ team can assist with recommendations and connect you with trusted experts to ensure your collection receives the best possible care.


Visit our website to explore our collection, current exhibitions and our range of services, including art sourcing and consultation.

About the author

Gerard Gormley