Design & Decor Series: Finding Your Inspiration: Caring For Your Fine Art Collection: Tips For Longevity And Preservation

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Shidonna Raven Chief Editor

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Shidonna Raven Fine Art & Giclees, Transfiguration. All Rights Reserved. Copyright.

Raven, Shidonna Raven Fine Art & Giclees

Caring For Your Fine Art Collection: Tips For Longevity And Preservation

Fine art collections require special care to ensure their longevity and preservation. Here are some tips to help you care for your fine art collection:

1. Handle With Care: Always handle your artwork with clean, dry hands to prevent any dirt, oil, or moisture from transferring onto the art. Wear gloves if possible, and be gentle when moving and placing the art. 

2. Keep Out Of Direct Sunlight: Sunlight can cause fading and damage to fine art over time. Place your art in a location where it is not exposed to direct sunlight, or use UV-filtering glass to protect the art. 

3. Control The Temperature And Humidity: Extreme temperatures and humidity can cause damage to fine art. Ideally, the temperature should be between 65-75°F and the relative humidity should be between 45-55%. 

4. Avoid Displaying Near Sources Of Heat Or Moisture: Do not display your art near sources of heat such as radiators or fireplaces, or in areas with high humidity such as bathrooms and kitchens. 

5. Frame And Mount Properly: Proper framing and mounting can protect your art from dust, dirt, and damage. Use acid-free mats and UV-filtering glass when framing, and ensure that the artwork is mounted securely and with appropriate spacing. 

6. Clean Carefully: Clean your art only when necessary, and use a soft, dry brush or a clean, lint-free cloth. Avoid using water, solvents, or any cleaning products unless recommended by a professional conservator. 

7. Store Properly: If you need to store your art, do so in a climate-controlled, low-light environment. Use acid-free archival boxes, tissue paper, and other materials to protect the art from dust and damage. 

8. Get Professional Advice: If you have a valuable or delicate piece of art, consult a professional conservator or appraiser for advice on proper care and handling. 

By following these tips, you can help ensure the longevity and preservation of your fine art collection.

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Ask the Artist

Climate Change & Fine Art?

While the environment has often been the subject matter of artists' artwork since the beginning of time', introducing environmentally friendly materials into fine art is often difficult in some mediums and types of work. Some artworks like prints often require some chemicals, some naturally found in nature. These chemical and process are required to produce. While artists are often open to and passion about the environment some materials manufactured by suppliers and fine art processes work counter to these goals.

Nonetheless, as Artists we believe it's a conversation worth having and not often had in the artworld because as far as industries go, fine art unlike beef or the fashion industry, has a much lower impact on the overall environment. Although, the conversation should be initiated and had. Nonetheless, Artists, most profound impact on climate change is being had through the subject matter and creation of artwork that does just that: initiate, celebrate and exhibit the importance and beauty of the environment (earth) over glasses of Merlot and Pinot Grigio....Join us at the Collector's Circle, today or Subscribe to Ask the Artist e-Magazine.

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