If you enjoy art and have built up a valuable collection over the years, you likely endeavour to keep it as safe and secure as possible. Whether they be collections high in monetary value or those that hold priceless sentimental value, the protection of your art at home is important. How you protect your art can vary and much may depend on the room size, the art type and how much you wish to invest in your art security.
In this blog, we take a look at some of the key ways you can keep your art protected, so it doesn’t fall into the wrong hands or get damaged due to lack of care. It’s been claimed that approximately 50,000 pieces of art are stolen each year, and these are just thefts from museums and art galleries. Factor in the amounts stolen from private residences and it can become a little more alarming. Perhaps more concerning is that only 10% of stolen art is believed to ever be recovered.
So, to help you enhance the protection of your art, let’s look at some of the security options you could consider.
Lighting and visibility
If your private art collection is kept within its own room in the house, it may pay to ensure it is sufficiently lit at all times. We all know that light can blight a painting but strategically placed lighting in a room will not only help illuminate the piece for observers to enjoy it but also deter thieves. Ensuring all corners are covered so there is no room for hiding, lighting provides a cheap yet effective way to make thieves think twice about approaching your precious artwork.
If your art is spread across multiple rooms, you may need to think a little more smartly about how lighting is employed. Leaving lights on in multiple rooms at all times could prove distracting at night and be largely unnecessary. Especially in areas unlikely to provide access to thieves.
Consider your access points
In this example, we will assume your art collection is in one room. Your own mini art gallery shall we say. With multiple routes of entry, you give thieves more opportunity to find a way in and out. Limiting their access restricts the opportunity for them to make an easy entrance and exit. Factor locks onto the doors both internal and external and investigate the possibility of keypads or biometrics. This also helps stop visitors from wandering into the gallery without your assistance. Art can make people inquisitive and a touch from a curious mind could be enough to cause damage to the piece. With security lights externally too, those looking to force a way in will get caught in the act.
Security systems
CCTV, both inside and out can certainly help add a sense of additional security to your art collection at home but art protection security can benefit from much more than that. Companies like Fortecho for example utilise RFID technology that provides 24/7 surveillance of your art. With a wireless, invisible form of protection, thieves remain unaware they are being monitored.
You could also consider motion detectors, alarms and sensors for doors and windows too.
Maintain conditions
Not all loss of art is due to theft. In fact, it is often due to poor general care. Paintings on canvas or paper are particularly sensitive to temperatures and can deteriorate if not looked after correctly. Temperatures for your art collection should never exceed 70°F and humidity should be around 40-50%. Humidifiers, dehumidifiers and air conditioning units can help control the room’s climate and help protect your art.
Investigate art insurance
Specialised insurance for your art may not protect it from loss or theft but it will help you with restoration costs and help cover the financial loss from theft. You should frequently update the insurance as your collection increases and ensure there is a detailed account of the entire collection, complete with photos and information relating to the purchase.
Suitable framing and display
Another part of protecting your art that doesn’t relate to theft but could prove valuable to ensure your art stays in its best condition. UV protective glass in a frame can help reduce the risk posed by sunlight. Sunlight can see precious art fade and become irreparable. Mounting materials should also be acid-free to prevent chemical damage.
If your art is in the form of a sculpture, think about display cases and sturdy bases so it can remain safely on display free from the risk of vandalism or breakages.
With regards to theft, display techniques can vastly reduce the potential for it. Secure hanging systems that require certain tools for the art to be removed can really hinder a thief trying to take your art. Where with regular hanging they may be able to lift the art from the wall, with these systems, they would be spending considerable time trying to find how to remove your art pieces.
