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Cultivating Home Museum Conservation Tips
Proud museum owners and art collectors need not only to have art in their care but also to keep it looking fresh and fine. For that, a plan is needed to ensure the proper level of museum maintenance. Creating a home museum maintenance plan is essential for anyone wishing to cherish their collected pieces for years to come.
A home museum may include pottery, paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and other antiques that a collector may have acquired. Home museums come in different shapes and sizes, from an apartment-sized collection of classical art to a single room dedicated to war memorabilia. Regardless, the following tips and tricks will help you plan and organize a home museum better.
Step One – Curation and Classification
Before jumping into museum maintenance, you’ll want to start by curating and classifying your collections. First, assess each item’s condition and decide what needs to be done to restore or maintain it. Then, start to categorize your pieces into groups based on items with similar needs. For instance, grouping all the paintings into one section by media, size, style, or artist. Additionally, consider using a wall display system to organize and add rigidity to your collection as it grows.
Step Two – Dust and Shine
Once your collections are categorized, it’s time to get to work. First, dust off your pieces to avoid build-up of dirt, oil, and other potential dirt. Use a feather duster or microfiber cloth to take off the dust in a gentle manner, especially on the walls and frames. Carefully vacuum the surface but avoid getting the dust deep into the crevices of the items.
Step Three – Preservation and Preservation
The next step is preservation. For works on paper such as prints and drawings, pay attention to the protective glass or starting materials like acid-free paper or mats. Be sure to check the humidity level as well to avoid the artwork from being damaged from too much moisture or dryness. If a painting needs restoration, make sure the restoration expert is reputable and uses conservation-grade materials and techniques. Properly restored paintings often require less future care.
Step Four – Facilities and Environment
Your home museum maintenance plan should also consider the environment in which your collection will be housed. Your goal should be to provide a space free of pest infestations, high humidity, intense sunlight, and sharp temperature changes. Be sure to inspect for any possible hazards and line the walls with protective materials to avoid any wall damage.
Step Five – Risk Management
Finally, consider risk management techniques such as controlling access to your collection, educating staff and visitors, and developing smart care and handling techniques. This will help you to keep your pieces safe and secure over time.
Conclusion
Creating a home museum maintenance plan is essential for any museum owner and collector. With proper care and maintenance, your collection can be preserved and admired for many years to come. By following the tips given above, you can ensure that your items are in the best possible care.
