Protecting Fine Art pieces during the Pandemic
Fine art pieces, like paintings and
sculptures, are susceptible to more risk during the pandemic and natural
catastrophes. Whether in galleries or at home, these priceless art pieces must
be properly handled and enveloped with ample protection.
Philippine Art Events Inc. co-founder
Geraldine Araneta, shared that art fairs were hard hit during the quarantine period
seeing a drastic drop in revenues, loss of jobs, closures, and postponements,
but added that the shift to digital or virtual viewing format may be expected
for art museums or galleries in the long-run. Ms. Araneta shared the state of
art fairs during the “Art in the Time of Pandemic” webinar, hosted by Malayan
Insurance Co., Inc.
Boots Herrera, director and chief curator of
the Ateneo Art gallery, pointed out that artwork collectors and gallery owners
are advised to incorporate preventive risk management to ensure their good
condition in the long term.
Since art galleries were forced to
temporarily close during the quarantine period brought about by the Covid19
pandemic, gallery administrators had to incorporate protection measures in
storage facilities. Among these steps is providing ample air movement inside
storage spaces as humidity damages most art pieces.
“Air-conditioning is not a requirement in
keeping the right temperature. An oscillating fan would suffice to keep the
room temperature in check,” said Ms. Herrera, during the Malayan Insurance
sponsored webinar on Fine Arts Insurance, held recently. “This holds true for
those with art pieces at home. Owners or custodians must ensure that their
artworks are not exposed to the elements such as direct sunlight and open air.”
Herrera pointed out that air conditioning
mainly ensures consistent temperature and relative humidity. The best strategy
during rainy periods is to ensure good air ventilation for proper control of
room moisture content. Art collectors should also check for signs of pests like
termites or wood boarers in frames, minute matters that are often overlooked yet
harmful to artworks.
Furthermore, the presence of plants inside a
house or gallery space affect the humidity levels of a room, leading to mold
growth especially for paintings that don’t have glass casings or covers.
The
Fine arts underwriter Lee Vanderson of
Howden Specialty Ltd. also noted the importance of having insurance for
artworks as this provides security for the art pieces or even the art galleries
storing these works.
Malayan Insurance offers a fine arts
insurance coverage which protects the artworks that most people cherish and
value.
To know more about this product, customers
may visit the Malayan Insurance e-commerce site at www.malayanonline.com.
Malayan Insurance is the leading non-life
insurer in the