 Artist: Thota Vaikuntham |
Artworks can be a lifelong joy to their owners. However, whether organic or inorganic, the materials from or on which artworks are made are subject to deterioration because of a variety of factors- the environment, climate, humidity, light, insects, fungi, improper storage or handling, and so on. Art needs special care if its longevity is to be maintained.
However, through proper care and conservation, artworks (especially paintings) can last for generations. 'Conservation' implies a studied, intricate process involving stabilization, preservation and often restoration, using reversible materials, which will not be hazardous to the object. It is important in this process to understand the basic principles of decay and chemical reactions.
Conservation can broadly be of two types:
Preventive conservation: regular maintenance and care are taken to prevent the onset of damage or future problems to the object. Proper environment, storage, display, etc. are all essential to forestall deterioration.
Interventive conservation in which any treatment to an object in the form of cleaning, mending tears, in painting, removing old and improper restorations, etc. is carried out.
The seven rules of conservation:
- No exposure to direct sunlight
- No exposure to extreme heat, cold or humidity
- No exposure to dust
- Transport artwork with proper packing
- Store artwork with proper padding and lean only against flat surfaces
- Consult a professional. Do not try to fix damage yourself
- Never dispose or sell an artwork if it is damaged without informing the artist
Paintings and other paper works like manuscripts and rare books are more susceptible to damage and the ravages of time and the environment than any other form of artwork. Below are some special tips for preserving such work:
Care and Cleaning:
- Ensure that the painting is hung on sturdy nails that will properly support the weight of the painting. If using a wire, it should be fastened securely between the 2 hooks. If mounting directly on the nails, ensure that the hooks are fixed securely on the painting. Seek help from a professional framer if needed
- When matting be certain to ask for conservation quality materials
- Always frame artwork on paper with a protective glass
- Consult a conservator for appropriate light, temperature and humidity settings
- Use air conditioning, insulation and proper storage to maintain ideal conditions and avoid the damage caused by changes in temperature and humidity
- Keep pieces out of direct light and ultraviolet rays, and if at all possible away from light entirely. Expose them to light only for short periods of time, and keep the intensity very low temperature and humidity must be strictly monitored to so as not to encourage mould, mildew or brown spots called ‘foxing’
- If mould is found on a framed piece immediately remove and air it
- Do not repair any damages with paper clips, tape or glue, instead consult a conservator immediately
- Never clean a painting if it shows any signs of damage, including cracking
- Keep storage and display areas very clean as dust can attract fungus and insects
- Dust your artwork with a soft and a dry cloth. If the surface of your painting looks dry and dull, you may want to have it varnished. Varnish is a protective surface, which will not only enhance the image, but will keep the surface intact and safe from cracking
- Keep insect repellents handy and use anti-termite chemicals to ensure an insect free environment
- Always lean a stretched canvas against a flat surface. Sharp or pointed objects can dent your canvas
- Do not touch pieces with bare hands
- Never drink, eat or smoke in the vicinity of the work
- Dust from the top to the bottom
- Remember- shoddy framing or restoration, both of which can cause real damage to your piece, will also lessen the value of your artwork.
Storage & Transport:
- If storing flat, always use protective matting between pieces to avoid rubbing and physical pressure
- Be certain all containers are made from acid-free materials
- If moving a painting short distance always carry it with two hands, and hold it from a secure location (one hand on bottom, one hand on a side)
- If possible always have another person at hand
- For any long distance moves, hire a professional to pack and transport your piece
- If you must transport the work yourself, lay a flat piece of cardboard, mat board or similar firm material over the front and back surfaces, and then wrap it in bubble wrap or Styrofoam wrap. Try not to keep it wrapped up for too long as to avoid moisture build-up, which might cause damage to the work