Whether you keep your fine art in your home or a gallery, in storage or on display, it is wise to take steps to ensure that it is properly preserved for generations to come.
Below are a few tips to consider, depending on the type of material or media your artwork includes:
Panel paintings can be particularly fragile as wood can crack or warp in reaction to temperature or humidity fluctuations.
Oil on canvas paintings are also susceptible to environmental damage through cracking and cleavages of the different paint layers or deformations of the canvas support.
Art on paper is susceptible to the acidic elements contained within most commercial paper stock, which, over time, can react internally to destabilize the paper. Works of art made using poor quality paper are particularly prone to deterioration, especially if the paper is mounted on acidic backing boards or mats, which can cause discoloration and embrittlement. Minute metal shavings, introduced during the paper manufacturing process, can also corrode when exposed to humidity, resulting in dark rust spots as the paper, known as foxing.
Vases and bowls can break, scratch or crack.
Sculptural objects may get knocked over or damaged.
Photographs, watercolours, works with coloured inks, and textiles can fade with exposure to ultra violet (“UV”) radiation from sunlight or artificial light sources.
Works of art on paper or textiles are also susceptible to damage due to improper framing.
Artwork with powdery or loose pigment such as pastels or charcoal can be damaged by static build-up if not properly framed.
This document is advisory in nature and is offered as a resource to be used together with your professional insurance advisors in maintaining a loss prevention program. It is an overview only, and is not intended as a substitute for consultation with your insurance broker, or for legal, engineering or other professional advice.
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