The Proper Care
and Storage of Craft Art
In 1977, The Women's Committee of the Philadelphia Museum of Art presented the first Craft Show, inaugurating a totally new venue showcasing exquisitely handmade functional art. Every year since, the annual juried event exhibits the work of the top 195 contemporary craft artists in the United States, and attracts some 18,000 people over four very special days every November.
One serendipitous year later, in 1978, Kip Tindell and Garrett Boone opened the first location of The Container Store in Dallas, Texas, originating a completely new category of retailing - storage and organization. With stores now coast to coast, The Container Store offers over 10,000 products to help customers save space and organize their most valuable possessions.
Nancy O'Meara, director of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft show noted, "The circle of craft collectors has grown exponentially over the years. Many people had the misconception that quality care and storage solutions were only available to museum conservation departments; this is simply no longer true. Through The Container Store, a whole range of archival storage options and cleaning products is available to every collector, for every type of craft."
The two trailblazers - The Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show and The Container Store - combine their expertise and are pleased to offer these suggestions to craft collectors so that today's treasures can become tomorrow's heirlooms.
Textiles (quilts, garments)
The primary damaging agents to textiles are four: inappropriate lighting (natural as well as artificial); improper temperature and humidity levels which lead to mold and mildew; excessive dust and dirt; insects.
The Container Store's archival storage boxes for textiles are constructed from acid-free materials, crafted into solid, secure boxes that resist dust, dirt and light infiltration. Use acid-free tissue to wrap and fold garments to limit wrinkling. Then store the boxes in a temperature-controlled room (avoid the extreme temperatures of the basement, garage or attic) with low humidity.
If the textiles are framed, it is best to use a shadow box type frame with UV glass or Plexiglas. Fiber artist Renee Harris stressed the importance of hanging fiber in a location with indirect lighting to avoid discoloration, "so that the art work will keep its color life with more grace."
When selecting a framing studio, ask if they have worked for any museums or other collectors and if they are familiar with archival framing techniques and materials. Because of potential liability, many museum curators or conservators may not wish to give a direct recommendation for a specific framer, but you can contact regional art preservation and conservation associations to locate high-quality area suppliers.
Regarding cleaning dusty UV glass or Plexiglas, Harris reminds collectors to avoid using paper towels and instead use soft lint-free, and ideally microfiber cloths.
containerstore.com (acid free box)
containerstore.com (lavender blocks)
Paper (paintings, paper crafts, prints, drawings)
Like textiles, paper is easily damaged by natural or artificial light and must be preserved in an acid-free environment. Light sources containing ultraviolet (UV) rays are especially harmful. For extremely fragile items, storing them separately from other pieces is always the best strategy. Paper items should be handled as little as possible and always with clean hands or gloves. A cool, dry environment is preferred for storing paper items.
The best solution for framing and exhibiting works on paper is a shadow box frame with UV glass or Plexiglas, displayed with indirect lighting.
containerstore.com (archival box)
containerstore.com (acid free bags)
Metal (jewelry, coins, sculpture, toys, tableware)
Because most metals corrode on contact with water, acids, bases, salts, oils, aggressive metal polishes and other chemicals, it's imperative to store them in a controlled environment and in containers made from inert materials. For example, unprotected wood or untreated fiber storage can emit acids or gases that can corrode metals; plastic or other metals are generally wiser alternatives. Choose specially formulated silver cloth to resist tarnish on silver. Metal items should be stored somewhere with relatively low humidity and covered for protection against the buildup of dust.
While noted jewelry designers Ken Loeber and Dona Look sell their jewelry in special bags with anti-tarnish strips, most collectors will need to purchase storage solutions separately. "Fine metal jewelry will tarnish some over time and will need occasional cleaning to maintain its luster, "commented Loeber. "We advise against using dipping machines for jewelry and flatware, as these can damage silver surfaces. We instead prefer using soft brushes or cloths and mild cleaning products." Look added, "Gentle is the operative word for jewelry care."
Metal sculptor Julie Girardini noted that she puts a protective lacquer coating on her work, and that a feather or microfiber duster works best on those surfaces. She stresses that chemical cleaners can discolor metals or alter the patina, and it is important to use only the mildest and metal-specific cleaners. To be absolutely certain, she advises checking with the artist at the time of acquisition to determine proper care, and keeping a file notation regarding any cleaning requirements.
containerstore.com (silver polish)
containerstore.com (duster)
Glass (stemware, glass bowls, art glass, ornaments)
Breakage is the main culprit in damage to glass; therefore it is imperative to handle these items with extreme care. It is always better to overestimate rather than underestimate the fragility of the item when handling it - better to be safe than sorry!
A common mistake is the use of newsprint for wrapping glass and crystal -- the ink is highly transferable and can cause discoloration. Use acid-free tissue or acid-free shredded paper to wrap and protect these delicate items. Then choose containers made from either rugged plastic, reinforced fabric or acid-free heavy gauge cardboard that are sure to handle the weight of the item you are storing.
All art glass should be hand-washed when necessary with a non-abrasive, mild soap (if needed), and dried with a lint-free absorbent cloth. Glass artist Michael Mikula advises using damp microfiber cloths, and for hard water stains he uses a cleaning fluid called CLR (calcium, lime, rust). Michael advises against using spray "Swiffer" type cleaners which can leave a waxy film.
Mikula noted that it is helpful to label the outside of storage containers with the name of the art work and the artist, and to start files with descriptive information about the objects and makers. "If the piece is well maintained and has a history, it is much more likely to grow in value," noted Mikula. "Information regarding provenance is essential in establishing valuation."
containerstore.com (label maker)
containerstore.com (archival ornament storage boxes)
Ceramics (clay, pottery, earthenware, porcelain)
The materials, glazes and firing methods greatly affect the way that finished ceramics can be used and handled. It is imperative to inquire, at the time of acquisition, as to whether or not the item is microwaveable, dishwasher safe, and, if vessel-shaped, able to hold water.
Clay is by nature a porous material and should be kept away from water and humidity to preserve its longevity. Even if a vessel is glazed and can be used as a vase or pitcher, it is nonetheless inadvisable to store liquids in ceramics on any long-term basis. For cleaning purposes, water and a mild soap are preferred, as are hand-washing and towel-drying.
Like glass, ceramics are prone to breakage, so adequate padding and sturdy storage containers are essential. Felt cloths should be placed in between plates, then placed in padded, dust-free containers.
containerstore.com (hagerty china storage set)
containerstore.com (hagerty fine china separators)
For further resources and information regarding the care of craft art, visit the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works conservation-us.org
For more information regarding the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show, visit pmacraftshow.org
For more information regarding The Container Store, visit www.containerstore.com
For artists mentioned see:
For more information phone (215) 684-7930 or TWCPMA.
