Hi all
I’ve been asked to build an Art Storage Room in a basement for someone.
No problem with framing and the floor is dry all year round (concrete).
This is not a vault, so I’m not worried about a thief proof system.
Must be dry, warm, heated and humidity control.
Anyone build one of these and have any info as to what I need to be looking for in the construction and such.
I know I’ll need an insulated floor and walls and due to basement dampness good sealing and a de-humidifier.
What else?
Oh, also, about 8 x12 ft with 8 ft height,
Jeff
Replies
Humidity control is critical. You'll likely need provision to add as well as remove humidity. Depending on the scope or budget you may need more than your typical HVAC guy to provide a premium system.
Depending on the media that will be stored, the chemical environment may matter, too. For example, formaldehyde fumes from chip board may be harmful to the art, or acids in construction materials. I don't know what the considerations are, but finding someone who knows about chemical hazards would be worthwhile.
I did a walkout basement for a client who was setting up an art Framing business. Critical issue, besides the usual climate concerns, was ample and high quality lighting. I got good advice from a lighting company who steered me in the direction of 4' fluorescent troughers, special ordered with dual ballasts so they could adjust the amount of light as necessary (apparently there is such a thing as too much light). Also, all fluorescent tubes are not the same. I got some good info on spectral quality from GE literature but the lighting guy was really helpful (probably gave me a couple of hours of his time), considering it was only about $600 worth of fixtures and bulbs.
I would have a tendency to contact the curator at your nearby art museum - probably has reams of info, websites, professional organizations, etc.
As some one else mentioned - much depends on the media being stored - for example - oil paintings will have different "ideals" and concerns than watercolor due to the substrate.
If the client is storing photographs - contact George Eastman House in Rochester, NY - it is a science, they have the know-how and are willing to share it.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.
Jeff-
Your room sounds much like a wine cellar - critical temp & humidity control.
An effective way to both seal the envelope of the room against air leaks and apply thermal insulation is to use closed cell spray foam insulation.
The performance of the envelope in your situation more than justifies the extra cost for the spray foam vs. alternate methods.
Stu
to access the large pieces build 2x2 frames and stand them on a diagonal so you encroach into the space a little less. by standing them up like this you can access them easily (without digging through to get at the back)
Hi all
Spoke to the lady this morning again after reading the posts.
She needs to store oil paintings, drawing (charcoal and pastel), watercolors, and lithographs. I guess there is everything one could do.
Sizes range from small (8x10) to large (3 ft x 5 ft) with maybe a larger one thrown in.
No real curators or museums to ask any questions of up here local in Vermont, so it needs to be by phone or internet.
I think the rack idea will work for most of the oils and flat storage (I'll need to build something) for the rest.
No, she didn't do this stuff. It's a family art collection going back over 50 years from artists that need to be stored till sold or passed on to new members of the family.
I don't think there are any photographs to worry about.
I think temperature and humidity are the biggest factors.
Jeff
I think temperature and humidity are the biggest factors.
Retired walk-in cooler would do well, they're panellized. Great door.
My one friend with a large oil collection in her basement has not-easily-solved foundation problems. Occasionally water running across the floor. Humidity easily controlled anyway. She's 30-50% rh, 60's temp. Seems to work fine for the last 30 yrs.PAHS Designer/Builder- Bury it!
unframed lithos and serigraphs should be stored flat, with acid free paper staggering each print -- keep them out of the light -- you may be able to find or build large drawers. some old draftsman's tables had such drawers.
can you tell us the names of a couple of the artists? an old collection that is out of circulation sure could be exciting.
if you see a Lawren Harris sketch, print or oil -- let me know.