Displaying Art

There are guidelines to hanging art like how high off the floor a work should hang, but before getting into those details, here are some top-shelf rules I go by. These may seem obvious at first, but I can't tell you how long it took me to figure some of these things out... the hard way.

DISPLAYING ART

Never hang or place artwork in direct sunlight. The sun is death to art. Photographs and drawings are particularly susceptible to fading. If you want to be extra protective of your artwork, rotate it as often as possible allowing for some time in dark spaces or storage.

Do not hang artwork in or near sources of heat or humidity, i.e., bathrooms, heaters, etc. No matter how well you think something is framed or protected, humidity will surely warp and damage most surfaces.

Do not leave artwork outside (unless it is designed for outdoor viewing). Basements and garages are not recommended places to store artwork because of exposure to inclement weather, humidity, and dampness.

Do not throw, dropkick, dribble, juggle, finger-spin, break-dance upon, or otherwise disrespect your artwork. Treat it like art, and you'll enjoy a long and fulfilling life together.

One last thank you to Tanya and Ben for your help!

Comments

[Alex Nin]

Come on! Break all those rules and Art will be alive!

[Paige]

I know it sounds like an awful lot of negatives -- Don't do this and don't do that, and no, no, no. I sound like the parent I never want to become. That said, I have run across a lot of people who seem pretty unclear about basic art care. I, like you, think art is alive! But, just as I water my plants and feed my dog to make sure they keep living, I also take care of my art to make sure it sticks around for years to come. I also have this crazy notion that I am taking care of the art for the artists who made it, kind of like I'm just borrowing it from them for a while. They did their part in making it, I try to do my part in taking care of it. Pathetic, maybe, but I think it will pay off in the long run if I'm making good choices in the company of art and artists I keep. Thanks for commenting!

[Maktaaq]

Thanks for your tips. I work in a historical museum, but as someone with an art history background, it always shocks me how my non-art history coworkers always put our collection of 19th century photos by the south-facing window. I feel bad nagging so much...but, at the very least, they could think that it is our livelihood.

Is your blog just for painting/photograph collectors? A French friend recently disclosed some common French knowledge about removing stains out of textiles by letting them soak in warm water and wood ash.

[John Strobel]

Please visit www.pictureplacer.com and see a really nifty picture hanging tool that has become indespensible in our home. It was inexpensive and it really works! No more "hanging" fights with the spouse.