Works of Art Should be Passed Down from Generation to Generation.
How long does a work of art live – a sculpture, a painting, a piece of ancient pottery? It is really impossible to say, as the better a work of art is stored and handled, the more years can be added to its life. You have so many forces working against you, though –– variable temperatures, high humidity, light, acidity, insects and molds. All can be silent killers of your valuable items and must be dealt with efficiently and knowledgeably.
Exposure to the environment is one of the leading causes of deterioration and damage of valuable objects. A proper storage environment can have a highly positive impact on the life of collectible items and greatly reduce conservation, insurance and managing costs South Florida provides a particular challenge to the conservation of art; therefore, proper storage is vital. Our tropical weather characterized by heavy rainfall, high humidity and high temperatures creates a dangerous environment for art objects. Insects and molds also thrive and reproduce quickly. Chemical deterioration proceeds at a faster rate. Corrosion accelerates in metals. Adhesives soften and swell. Paper deteriorates. Wood warps. Photographic emulsions separate from their base. Oil paintings tend to crack.
It can be a frightening scenario for any collector. Only a stable, controlled environment can regulate these damaging factors, reduce or even eliminate risk altogether, and significantly expand the life of prized works of art. AV&VS offers specialized services for specific needs such as a transition storage area to gradually stabilize humidity; a cold photograph storage area; and a wine cellar with a precisely controlled temperature of 56 degrees.
Care
From the moment we receive a work of art or other valuables, be assured that our staff will provide the care it deserves, minimizing handling, restricting unnecessary movement, avoiding contact with unstable or reactive materials and providing proper support for each piece. We follow strict handling and packaging guidelines using non-reactive, acid-free supplies and designing appropriate casing to store items based on type of materials, condition and age. Our specialty crates are manufactured in a clean room where sterile padded frames are shaped for the specific artwork.
Access
Our cataloging system and storing racks are engineered to instantly locate and provide access to each and every piece in a collection. An on-demand database service will keep track of every detail –whether a piece is in our facility on a more or less permanent basis or on loan for an exhibition. Our storage spaces, racks and meeting rooms will allow complete and instant access to artwork so conservators, museum registrars, academics and collectors can visit to view and work on any particular piece.
Disaster Defense
Collections are at risk for catastrophic loss due to disasters ranging from hurricanes and tornadoes to floods and fires. Despite this, 80% of collecting institutions do not have emergency plans in place, nor the trained staff to carry them out. At AV&VS, we have considered all possible scenarios and developed systems to keep your collection safe. Whether it involves protection against theft or defense against flooding, our plans address all major contingencies to ease concern about possible damage. Our comprehensive systems and emergency plans will keep your collections safe from fire, flood, hurricane and theft or vandalism. Among these contingency measures are:
- A hurricane and flood proof, sealed structure made of steel and concrete
- Elevated construction designed to deal with the potentially catastrophic effects of global warming Isolated and secure structure to prevent breaking and entering
- Facility protected and guarded 24/7 with CCTV-monitored access
- Non-water-based, full fire-suppression system monitored 24/7 by a central station
- Back-up system powered by twin elevated, full-capacity diesel generators
- Heliport to safely transfer artwork in case of emergency
