Caring for Your Art Collections: Preventing Loss

Simple steps help you protect your collection from loss.

Collecting art can be an enjoyable hobby, an educational pursuit or even a financial investment. So how do you look after an art collection now that you’ve assembled one? While every collection is unique, here are some simple steps you can take to protect your art from loss or damage.

Inventory

A good place to begin is creating and maintaining a current inventory of your collection. For each item in your collection, include:

• artist/maker
• title
• date
• object type
• materials
• inscriptions
• value

Don't forget to take pictures of the condition of each item. Keep a copy in a safe place, such as a safe deposit box, to ensure its safety.

Alarm Systems

Theft and fire are two of the most common causes of loss involving collections. Consider installing centrally monitored burglar and fire alarm systems. An alarm will not only help protect your collection and keep your family safe, it may also help save you money on art insurance.

Installation & Storage

When choosing how to display your art collection safely, consider the following suggestions:

• Hire a professional art handler to install your art.
• Avoid hanging objects behind doors, in narrow hallways or overly close to furniture or shelving.
• Move art away from working fireplaces or other heat sources such as radiators.
• Keep objects out of direct sunlight. UV light can cause severe damage, specifically works on paper, photographs or textiles.
• Do not store objects in basements or attics. These areas are vulnerable to flooding, leaks and dramatic temperature changes).
• Fragile objects should be displayed behind glass or secured with specialty wax, putty or gel.
• Have a mulch bed or other type of barrier around outdoor sculptures to prevent damage from lawn equipment.

Realize, too, that all art objects are sensitive to temperature and humidity. This can lead to damage such as warping, cracking and mold growth. Maintaining a controlled home temperature and humidity level will help prevent damage to your collection.

Insure Your Collection

In the unfortunate circumstance that your art is damaged, Cincinnati Insurance is committed to helping you insure your valuables. With a personal articles policy from Cincinnati, you can cover valuables with a set amount of insurance for all items or define a specific value for each item individually. Additionally, if you already insure your home with Cincinnati, you may qualify for a premium package credit.

You can't always predict or prevent accidents, but using preventive measures can help your collection last longer.

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.