[can-talk] Art Collection Storage Advice.

Hi All,

I am looking for some collection storage advice and it was recommended I 
go the Collections Australia Network. The City of Perth is about to 
upgrade its storage facility for the Art Collection. It is a small 
collection comprising just under 300 works, a large proportion of which 
are on display on a rotational basis. Most are framed paintings and works 
on paper. Some of the works on paper may be de-framed and stored in 
solander boxes or flat plan draws. 

I am wondering if any of the small scale art collections throughout the 
country have recently upgraded their storage facilities and can offer some 
advice. 

We have a small room available, approximately 2.7 x 5.5 meters, there are 
no windows. I am planning on a flexible shelving system for small to 
medium scale framed artworks and a wire rack on the long wall for large 
scale framed works. I will probably use shelving or flat plan draws for 
housing archival boxes for works on paper. We have a very small number of 
objects that can be boxed and stored on the shelving unit as well.

I am wondering if anyone can recommend a particular shelving system for 
framed artworks, if it came 'off the rack' or was designed for you?
What type of lining you use on your shelving? I have heard of a stable 
polypropylene padding/liner to prevent damage to frame edges although I do 
not know what it is called. It may be a polypropylene with a PE foam...
Is there any other particular advice you would give or things I should 
look out for? 

I am aware of and will implement key issues such as: removing a carpet and 
sealing the room to prevent bugs, having the shelves and racking raised 
slightly off the ground, low UV lighting, and using materials that will 
not off gas. I will be hiring someone to assist with the project, however 
the more advice the better.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers,

Isobel Wise

Art Curator 
City of Perth
Council House, 27 St Georges Terrace, Perth.
GPO Box C120, Perth, Western Australia, 6839.
Tel: (08) 9461 3403, Fax: (08) 9461 3086
Email: isobel.wise at cityofperth.wa.gov.au 
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