Fine antiques fill one's home with, warmth, craftsmanship, beauty and a link to the past. We learn about antiques; about patina, the gentle curve of a Louis XV leg, the ribbon carving of Louis XVI, the gilt ormolu of Empire, or the unadorned facade of a Biedermeier commode.
Sometimes, however we get ourselves into trouble; meaning we suddenly run out of space. What to do next? Ah, the self-storage facility might be an answer, or if it applies, buying that second or third property to set up house. Take care though, as this can become a nightmare if not handled properly.
We have been told of the Stuben glass that was smashed, the crack along the sides of the Empire Secretaire Abattant, or the water that ruined the marquetry on a favored continental sideboard. The solution to these mishaps is to properly wrap your items in preparation for what could happen.
Begin by crating the pieces you really care about. Does this sound unnecessary? Perhaps, but think about what might happen during storage, or shipping long distances. Crates with open sides can be used for local storage, but if you are shipping, use crates that are solid. Both can be stacked to save space.
It is best to line the crates with a soft gray material known as ester foam for delicate items, and the white material known as ether foam for heavier bulkier items.
Wrapping your items before putting them into the crate or box is equally important.
Fine Art and Antique Furniture: custom wood slat crates
Paintings: wrap in glassine, then clear plastic, cardboard, and foam
Sculpture or Porcelain: cavity pack (mold cut from ester foam)
Glass: bubble wrap (bubbles to the outside)
Upholstered Furniture: wrap in Tyvek (used on new housing construction), put into a slat crate, then drape with plastic sheeting; Important, do lay anything on velvet, especially silk velvet as the pile will permanently be marked
Books: wrap with acid free tissue, in a box or crate lined with Tyvek (store upright as you would in your library)
Rugs: vacuum or clean, and double wrap in plastic (this keeps insects out)
Metals: don't use bubble wrap on metal; it can affect patina on some metals
Now, after all the trouble you have gone through, lets look at where we are putting our treasures. Research and choose a storage facility that is first, climate controlled, for reasons listed in the previous article; "Maintaining Antiques". Also, carefully research shipping companies. Make sure you have photos, appraisals, and note any distinctive marks before wrapping and crating.
In addition, moisture can be just as damaging to a canvas as to antique furniture. Second, it should not be a mixed used building, i.e., connected to a restaurant where fire or rodents could become an issue. The security should be such that a central station is alerted to any activity around-the-clock.
And finally, consider insurance. Get appraisals, file with your receipts, take good photographs and measurements for anything "important".
Storing and Transporting
Antiques and Fine Art
