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About Sara Tro
Expertise
I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience
I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials
BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
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You are here: Experts > Arts/Humanities > Visual Arts > Picture Framing and Art Preservation > temperature for storing artwork
Expert: Sara Tro - 10/8/2009
Question
We have some fine oil paintings hanging in a location which is seldom used in the winter. The question is whether or not it would harm the paintings if we set the house temperature at 42 degrees Farenheit. We have historically left the temperature at 50F and have not seen any problems. The outdoor temperatures can go well below 0F for extended periods of time.
What do you advise?
Thanks.
Answer
Hi Margaret,
Thanks for writing!
Hmm.. this is not my focus or area of expertise, but I would render a semi-educated guess that if the property isn't damp AND cold, the paintings should be alright at 42F. The cold wouldn't harm the paintings, I don't think, it would be drastic/fast temperature changes, mold caused by such and any other failures that may be caused by insufficient or failed gesso or varnish, etc. that would cause the paintings some damage. Dryness may be an issue, but not if the paint is well adhered to the gesso, which is well adhered to the canvas or linen.
I do know that many art storage companies make a fortune storing collections during off-seasons for clients, and there's a reason behind that, but if the paintings are fine at 50F, I can't imagine they'd be worse off at 42F. I may check the backs for mold, and also move any of the paintings that hang on "exterior" walls, (walls whose opposite side faces the outdoors), to a hallway where they will be better insulated. The exterior walls, especially if they're plaster and lathe, will draw moisture through the wall into the back of the painting.. and, sun hitting the outside wall, then shade hitting the same wall will cause the rapid temp changes that can cause strange failures in artwork..
I would probably call your local museum to see if they refer an art preservationist you could call. If they have no advice for you, call my friend Danny at Phoenix Art Restoration in Shoreline WA. He's a wiz, and may have some better informed guesses to make for you :)
(206) 417-4981
Good luck!
Sara
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