best art handling practices

Handling Art

ABOUT

More than two decades experience as a museum professional.

Installed thousands of pieces of art including works by artists such as Monet, Matisse, Picasso, Dali, Bottero, Dufy and Renoir

Worked with the collections of major museums including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, The US State Department, The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Chatsworth collection.

ART HANDLING

“The maintenance of fine art works and artifacts, intake and preparation, packing and

shipping, and exhibition installation and dismantling.”

Art Handling

TOOLS

CONDITIONREPORT

UNCRATING

String Line

60” or

153 cm

ENVIRONMENTCLIMATE CONTROL

72 Degrees

53% Humidity

+/- 3 Degrees

LIGHTING AND LIGHTING TOOLS

SECURITY

Install monitoring systems

Make regular inspections.

Take precautions to prevent accidental damage

RE-PACKING

+

Glassine

Acid free paper

Roll of plastic

Bubble wrap

Packing Tape

REMEMBER

Reference or Re-Use

Old Packing Materials

ARCHIVALSTORAGE

Climate Controlled

Archival Quality Storage Materials

Variety of Sizes

Clear Labeling

Accessibility

Protective sleeve to keep partial mounts stable

Acid Free Paper

Protective Gloves

Trusted Sources for Archival Materials

• www.gaylord.com• www.universityproducts.com

CONCLUSION

Art Handling is a Big Responsibility

Not a Burden

• Plan ahead

• Have the correct tools & materials

• Document everything

• Focus on detail

• Safety first

• Don’t rush

• Measure

• A LOT

When you don’t know the

answer,

ask!

Contact me:

Ron Minnickswbpronmin@aol.com

Art handling and installation questions, resources or

consultation.