Care and Evaluation of Your Art

Museums are often inundated with questions concerning the value of art, photographs, antiques, and other objects.  It is actually unethical, and in many cases illegal, for a Museum to appraise items such as these. Two organizations that can help you find an appraiser are:

The American Association of Independent Appraisers

American Society of Appraisers [http://www.appraisers.org/]

Your art, antiques, photographs, and family treasures all have a limited life span, but there are things you can do to make them last longer.  All objects can be damaged by the environment, which is why galleries are often dimly lit and cool.  Paper and fabrics are especially sensitive to light.  We all know that light makes colors fade, but it also deteriorates the materials used in a work of art or an antique.  Keep sunlight exposure to a minimum by closing the drapes when you are not at home.  Having your windows tinted will not only prolong the life of your art, it will also, in most cases, lower your energy bill.  Avoid placing art in rooms with florescent lights.  Florescent lights give off a lot of UV (Ultra-Violet) light which is especially destructive to the colored pigments and dyes used in art, fabrics, and upholstery.

Temperature and humidity are the other major environmental factors that can lead to the destruction of art and antiques.  In most instances, Museums try to maintain a temperature of 65-70˚ degrees and 40-50% humidity.  This is ideal for most objects.  At higher humidity levels, metals begin to rust or tarnish and mold begins to grow above 65%.  At lower levels, paper becomes brittle and fragile and furniture joints may begin to loosen.  Keeping your air conditioning on in the summer and using a humidifier in the winter (depending on the part of the country you live in) will go a long way to preserving your art.

The following are a few quick tips that will also help preserve your collection:

• Never lift a painting or a framed print by the top of the frame, instead pick it up by the sides or the bottom and a side.
• Do not use glass cleaner for anything other than glass (for acrylic or Plexiglas® use an acrylic cleaner available at any glass shop.)
• Keep your furniture waxed and use coasters.
• Dust first, then vacuum (If your vacuum cleaner stirs up dust, it is time to buy a new one.)
• Keep clutter to a minimum and take out the trash every night since it attracts insects, many of which eat artwork.
• Finally, never clean a work of art other than dusting the top of the frame.  The cleaning of artwork is a specialized field and it should only be done by a trained conservator.

For a good general site with information about caring for things you may have in your home (antiques, heirlooms, artwork, photographs, and more):

              Canadian Conservation Institute [http://www.preservation.gc.ca/index_e.asp]

To find a conservator in your area or to obtain guides for caring for specific types of objects please visit:

              American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works [http://aic.stanford.edu/]