As individual as snowflakes and fingerprints is the collection in a home. Private collections
range from unconventional items to museum quality displays. From paintings and sculptures
to manuscripts or even rare dolls, while the size and structure of private collections may
vary widely, one thing remains the same. The owner's undying passion for each piece,
and passion is derived from the work's credibility, the historical and artistic significance.
Collectors vary as much as collections. Some are deliberate, hunting at auctions at every
opportunity. Others have become collectors almost by accident, picking up items on trips,
purchasing random finds and discovering later they've come together as a collection. The
intensity most collectors feel stems from not only the objects themselves, but the thrill of
the purchase and how it connects to the existing collection. Where should the new piece be placed
to best complement its companions? Many works of art have been circulating for centuries. The
collector takes pride in his time in history, in the knowledge that he is but one link in the chain
of the piece's life. An artist's creativity is expressed through his medium, a collector's
through the appreciation of that medium. The collector's creativity is set free through
the understanding of the creative process and genius. Drawing others into the enthusiasm for
an artist moves a collector. The ability to express this at home, to share it with friends
and family, brings great pride to the collector. Collections may begin from financial trends in
the art market, but most collectors quickly become swayed by the aesthetic appreciation of
the art itself. How to maintain and display a collection directly affects its well-being.
Private collections must be protected and protection starts from the inside out. Loss
and damage prevention is a priority. Often experts in the field are consulted to ensure
collections are preserved. Sometimes a safety technique that is common knowledge to one
collector is news to another. To prevent fading, watercolors or sketches must be kept out of direct
sunlight and checked frequently for signs of aging. They should also be framed in ultraviolet
plexiglass. Temperature can have a grave effect on works of art. Humidity levels as well as hot and
cold temperatures must be monitored for a safe environment. Fragile works should be kept in a
quiet spot where they can be admired but not shaken. Often a protective cover helps. Artwork
is most often damaged or destroyed in transit. If pieces must travel, ensure proper creating
and travel arrangements. Smoke can damage art as much as fire. Smoke detectors should be present
in every room where art is displayed. Heat as well as smoke can be damaging. Never place a valuable
painting over a working fireplace. Dusting artwork can be dangerous. Particles on the surface may
become embedded deeper into the piece causing greater damage. Professional cleaning is the
only way to have valuable objects properly and safely cleaned. Mold or water can damage paintings.
The canvas should be checked often and a conservator consulted if necessary. When hanging paintings,
try not to use nails and wires. These can cause uneven distribution of weight. Generally two
angled hooks are recommended. A well-tested security system to protect the most valued
objects is essential. It's not just the original work on paper but whether or not the artist's
signature appears. It's not just an original printing of a favorite author's novels. It's
that the trilogy is complete. What gives a piece in a collection a specific value goes
far deeper than whose name is in the corner and what makes that piece valuable to the owner goes
deeper still. Where it was purchased, on what excursion, all adds to the personal value. What
is valued so highly must be protected. In addition to care guidelines, a central part of protecting
and preserving private collections is finding an insurance company that appreciates their value
and the complexity of preservation, replacement or restoration. Reality strikes when a loss has
occurred. Fortunately there are steps which can be taken to lessen the impact. One of these measures
is to be certain adequate insurance is purchased. Often standard homeowners insurance is not enough
to cover even one piece in a collection, much less the entire assortment. In addition, many
standard policies exclude fine art. Collectors are encouraged to pursue a separate policy designed
to protect private collections of artwork, jewelry and other collectibles. In doing so, there are
some general standards to consider when evaluating a fine arts insurance program. An attentive
independent agent or broker who knows both the collection and the insurance is essential.
Updated appraisals will help ensure a fair settlement in the event of a loss. The insurance
company should be financially stable as well as having a history of fair and efficient claim
settlement. In addition, certain considerations arise based on individual needs and concerns.
A collector who travels should consider whether purchases abroad have some immediate coverage.
What if a Matisse is restored after damage and its value decreases? A collector should consider if
an insurance company would cover the loss in value. What if a fragile piece is accidentally
broken due to negligence of a house guest? Is breakage covered? A collector who moves
a favorite painting between office and home should consider whether it's covered in transit
and in its new location. Concern for collections begins long before a loss occurs. Like each piece
of individual work collected, the owners of private collections should demand individual
attention to the insuring of their prized possessions. Private collections are as
different as their owners. Size ranges in extremes. Textures are bound. Elements of
art are abundant. Objects created from canvas, ceramic, or tin. All items coming from vastly
different backgrounds, eras, and emotions. To the collector, these are not simply items to take up
space, but objects that make the space come to life, often with values far exceeding the home
in which they're displayed. While it is difficult to put a price tag on the joy of viewing a Monet
from the comfort of a home, or of sharing the rich history of a work of art with a grandchild,
the financial investment can be safeguarded in order to fully enjoy the spirit of the collection.
Protecting Collections. An art in itself.
Thank you.