2022-11-04
There are many factors to consider when planning a place in our home for sculptures from the art collection. In addition to aesthetic considerations, we should pay attention to conservation issues. A lot of art conservation could have been avoided if the works had been stored properly.
Every collector should take to heart the principle that "prevention is better than cure". Therefore, works of art should not be placed near permanent sources of heat, such as radiators, heaters or fireplaces. It may also not be a good idea to exhibit works of art in bathrooms or kitchens, where sculptures may be exposed to large changes in humidity or high moisture (there are exceptions, for example, non-glued artistic ceramics or some works of Asian art, which were created in high humidity conditions). Of course, each case should be considered individually; some sculptures have been specially designed for outdoor display. If in doubt, every collector should go to a conservator for advice.
Apart from the damage caused by temperature and humidity spikes, sculptures may also be subject to mechanical damage. It is important to place the work in a place where it will not be exposed to knocking down. Suitably chosen, stable plinths, for example, can help here. Always read the information about the maximum weight for a given plinth, a given base.
Nowadays, a collector may encounter a great variety of sculptures; we can buy works made of various materials and intended to be viewed from different or one side. It is worth considering whether the sculpture we have purchased was intended to be viewed from all sides, in which case it is a good idea to move it away from the wall at a certain distance.
Issues such as the choice of size, colour or subject are more individual. An interesting solution may be to display works of similar subject next to each other. The issue which we cannot ignore, however, is light. In most cases sculptures are not illuminated from behind because then they may be less visible.
