Museum Cabinets

Artwork Storage 101: How to Improve Art Organization

How to Improve Your Museum’s Art Storage

art storage organization shelving racksAs a gallery or museum owner, you might not always have the necessary space to display every piece in your collection. When the time comes to put artwork into short- or long-term storage, thoughtful organization is key. To reduce the likelihood of damage, it is important to know how to store art safely and which types of units are best for your unique needs.

Who Can Benefit From Art Storage?

Art and museum storage is a great option for any individual or organization specializing in the stewardship of art. Galleries in need of fine art storage and museums looking for museum storage can benefit, as well as universities, libraries, private collectors, archival facilities, art stores, and more.

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Why Is Artwork Storage a Good Investment?

Each piece of art in your collection is an irreplaceable, delicate work––and probably the result of a hefty investment! As such, it is critical to protect and securely store artwork. Proper art storage ensures that each piece lasts as long as possible so that generations to come can enjoy it.

Here are some of the reasons why you should invest in proper artwork storage:museum artwork storage carts

1. Preserve and protect your artwork.

An artist worked hard to create the work, and now you must take good care of it. Our artwork storage is specially designed to meet the special requirements of museum and fine art storage, with durable materials that keep out light, dust, and other dangers. The right unit will also protect a piece from creasing and folds.

2. Keep your inventory organized.

Artwork storage helps you manage your collections. If you manage a large gallery with numerous pieces, you need to know where each work is located. When it’s time to set up a new exhibit or show the work to a potential buyer, you need to be able to find it swiftly.

3. Save space in your storage area.

A shelving unit with room for multiple paintings will keep paintings safer and make smarter use of your floor space. In addition, proper artwork storage can save space in your storage area––and potentially reduce costs if you’re able to downsize your storage facility.

How To Store Artwork Safely

Proper art storage requires a specific set of conditions. Fragile pieces of art need to be protected from the elements to minimize damage. If a piece is exposed to too much humidity, light, dust, or other types of conditions, it can be damaged beyond repair. You don’t want faded paintings, torn canvas, or brittle paper, which means you need to create a storage environment that protects your collections from these risks.

Types of Art Storage

works on paper storage shelvesSelecting the proper art storage unit for your collection is essential. Once you’ve established the proper conditions for artwork storage, you’ll want to select a unit that fits your needs. StoreMoreStore’s art racks and wall display panels are available in many shapes and sizes to match your storage goals.

1. Store works horizontally with flat shelving.

Flat shelving neatly stores prints, drawings, documents, and more. Works on paper shelving feature flat, open storage for works on paper. Individual shelves keep your pieces organized and orderly, while non-gassing materials protect against damage. If you prefer an option with drawers, explore our flat plan file cabinets. These units are available in a variety of dimensions, so you can find an appropriately sized unit for your needs and prevent creasing. Convenient label holders on each drawer front make it easy to stay organized.

2. Transport collections easily with framed artwork storage carts.

When you need to move your collections from one storage area to another, between restoration labs, or back to the gallery, framed artwork storage carts simplify transit. Just slide a painting or work into the individual slot, and you can roll right along to your destination. These units feature adjustable dividers that keep the painting upright and allow you to store multiple items on each cart without accidental touching or falling.

3. Organize your works with artwork shelving.flat file museum cabinets

Artwork shelving is a highly versatile storage choice for all types of framed and unframed works. These units keep art shelved and off of the ground, safe from potentially harmful light and dust. When you need to find a specific work for your next exhibit, it’s easy to scope out the correct piece among your collection, thanks to the open shelves that provide excellent visibility. The large––and often adjustable––cubbies offer plenty of room for paintings of different heights within one unit, making great use of your storage space.

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4. Display art safely with art display panels.

What’s the point of having a magnificent work in your collection if no one can see it? Art display panels can keep your art visible, even while safely in storage. You can hang pieces right onto the mesh with art hooks; no nails are required! StoreMoreStore offers both wall-mounted panels and freestanding panels so that you can show off your works in any high-traffic area.

Why Buy Art Storage From StoreMoreStore?

We believe that preserving art is essential. Since 2012, StoreMoreStore’s artwork storage solutions have helped museums, galleries, and more protect their investments and keep artworks safe. We can help your business store art safely, too! To find out how, give us a call at (855) 786-7667 or send us an email.

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Artwork Collection Storage for National State Park Museums

Park Museum Art Storage

National and state park museums commonly include rotating artwork exhibits, which require careful storage and display as any other collection. We have a variety of artwork collection storage solutions available to buy online for your convenience.

Unfortunately, most paintings are extremely delicate, and a variety of factors contribute to eventual deterioration. Proper storage and handling go a long way toward keeping paintings preserved for the long term. During storage, curators must protect artwork from multiple damaging factors such as light, pests, and improper handling. By practicing preventative conservation, curators avoid costly and time-consuming treatments.

Best Artwork Collection Storage Practices

Some best long-term artwork collection storage practices include:

  • Whether storing a high-dollar art collection or sentimental works that you’d like to display in the future, think about where to keep everything. Then, test the area’s average humidity to ensure it’s moderate. Use somewhere cool and dry that doesn’t exceed 70 degrees, rather than moist spaces.
  • Changes in temperature can cause materials to expand and contract, leading to damage and deformation. This could include wrapping, discoloration, and mold growth that take time and money to eliminate. When in doubt, dark and windowless environments provide the safest long-term preservation conditions.
  • Wipe away any unsanitary dust or dirt that could compromise the paintings’ integrity during this time. Use soft, fresh microfiber cloths rather than harsh products to clean framed work. You can spray wood or metal frames and sculptures with a quality polish, too.
  • Framed items should have cardboard corners to protect it and the structure. Then, place supportive padding such as bubble wrap around the entire work. Secure the layer in place with tape or string. To ensure items have added dust and moisture protection, wrap them in breathable material.
  • Avoid rolling unframed works such as canvas paintings. Despite being an easier and cheaper technique, experts advise against it. If rolled up too long, it could have permanent creases and cracks in the paint. Wrap these in air and water-resistant material and secure them between sturdy foam or cardboard. Then, put it in a protective bag made from breathable material to prevent deterioration due to dust and moisture damage.

Safely Position Artwork Collections

The safest way to position artwork collections during storage depends on the medium. Read on to learn the proper techniques when handling a few specific works.

  • To prevent damage, national and state park museums should place framed works in a standing position rather than one on top of the other. Pieces could collapse from the stress of their own weight if stacked.
  • Unframed works can withstand stacking, but experts recommend storing these works in a standing position too.
  • You can store small box or paper works in drawers but must check for termite and acid secretions first.

Documenting Artwork Collections

Everyone from national and state park museums to libraries, historical societies, airports, and more should document and photograph artwork collections in storage and on display. As an actual record, it serves as a good reference in an emergency or if a theft occurs. It can help streamline insurance claims if you need to file one. To simplify the process, create a spreadsheet with details about the works being stored and label everything accordingly.

Why Artwork Storage is Challenging

Artwork collection storage continues to challenge cultural centers around the world, including national and state park museums not as well known to the public. Many lack the space to store growing collections and only display about 5% of them at any time.  The rest remains hidden in areas that the public cannot access, such as off-site facilities (which cost a pretty penny to rent). Needless to say, it can often place further strain on departmental budgets.

To compensate, museums mainly store paintings by hanging them from storage screens, placing them on shelves, or stacking them vertically. It’s more affordable and increases audiences’ exposure to displayed collections. What works best for you depends on the size and environment of your storage area.

Artwork Collection Storage Applications

Made from sanitary and durable construction, the artwork collection storage can accommodate more than national and state park museums. This includes airports, historical societies, and libraries that display artists’ work. All can depend on the versatile solutions to save space while keeping displayed art organized and safe.

Save Space with Artwork Collection Storage

Users can adapt many along or right to an empty wall to maximize underused space. Some span floor to ceiling to promote better vertical space use. Another occupies the entire perimeter to ensure optimal footprint efficiency. Others fit counter-high bases that require minimal use of the floor to accommodate static cabinets with a space-saving compact design.

Sanitary wire carts have the flexibility to relocate and save space in moments. Personnel then has safe access to the area and can reuse it to accommodate other productive activities. This includes wedding receptions, concerts, family-friendly programming and more. Other contemporary options such as pull-out racks retract in and out of the aisles to provide users more versatile space savings.national state park museum art storage

Artwork Collection Storage Types

Without efficient funding to expand existing footprints, staff must find creative ways to execute proper preservation practices within the available space. You can find some affordable artwork collection storage options safe enough to use in national and state park museums online. As efficient space-saving solutions, all can organize and protect rotating exhibits from deterioration, helping increase the lifespan. Read on to learn how the budget-friendly systems stack up against one another.

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Wire Mesh Art Display Panels

Available in wall-mounted or freestanding configurations, wire mesh panels provide proper storage and easy viewing at the same time. Freestanding options allow users access to two screens with space to display more in the same footprint. It promotes better capacity efficiency while allowing patrons more visible access to collections. Systems with wall-mounting capabilities hang high off the floor to save space that facilities can reuse to accommodate more productive activities. All have a non-reactive solvent-free powder coat finish durable enough to protect pieces against environmental factors.

Configurations have a sturdy, perforated design that provides efficient and clean airflow to keep everything on display dust free. Freestanding options allow independent use to prevent interference with optional art hooks. Curators have more than enough space to organize and secure collections in the available footprint and save on storage costs.  Patrons enjoy twice the visible access to rare pieces often hidden from public view, too.

Flat File Drawer Cabinets

Prevent damage from rolling or folding and store plan drawings, graphics, maps, drafting documents, blueprints, vellum sheets, and oversized documents by storing them in flat file cabinets.  Closed compartments have no space in between one another, promoting maximum capacity usage within the available footprint. It looks cleaner and more organized while helping keep dust and more out.

Units are available with or without bases that have lower shelves to organize reference materials, helping simplify researchers’ work. Systems can accommodate optional components such as security key locks that provide efficient material tampering and theft protection. Label holders located on each drawer front help create instant organization.

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Configurations have ergonomic pull handles that allow users easier access to stored collections, helping simplify viewing. Stack systems weighing up to 2,000 lbs onto mobile bases if needing to relocate them due to limited space availability. It frees up the area to accommodate more productive activities. Personnel avoids injury while moving the heavy loads elsewhere in a more efficient timeframe and can do more during the day.

Art Till Shelving

Art tills organize framed and unframed artwork and protect them from light, pests, and deterioration. Users can stack the durable systems up to two high to maximize underused vertical space. Units include adjustable dividers flexible and durable enough to protect stored works within the footprint. Users even have the option to remove the partitions if needing to create larger compartment widths. Models have a non-reactive solvent-free powder coating that safeguards items from harmful environmental factors. Systems’ open front provides efficient airflow to keep nonactive collections clean and in mint condition.

Framed Artwork Carts

With adjustable dividers, these mobile space-saving framed artwork carts allow safe storage and transport for paintings. Flexible partitions allow users to customize the available space based on collection needs and keep everything upright to prevent damage during transit.  Units have all-welded wire shelves versatile enough to provide airflow, light penetration, and more to keep items clean and visible.  Users have comfortable access to stored collections from the rear and front, helping prevent damage and ensure safe handling during retrieval.

Handlers can move the portable storage and everything it holds in moments to save space and simplify cleanup during exhibit rotation. Then, start redesigning the area to match new art installation themes and display stuff less often seen within the same footprint. Facilities expose audiences to more collections from within the available space and avoid an expensive expansion.

Pull-Out Art Racks

artwork collection storagePull-out art racks allow you to store artwork collections while saving space with retractable panels. The easy-to-install heavy-duty art racks anchor to floor without ceiling support. Units have a linear motion design that allows panels to slide out into aisles on an independent basis, leaving others undisturbed. Curators can hang works on each side during this time to ensure better space usage. Patrons must use the convenient and ergonomic pull handles if wanting visible access to collections on display. Staff can add extra panels in the future if needing more space to store growing collections. Screens have a sturdy perforated design that allows efficient airflow to keep everything from deteriorating during storage and while on public display.

Works on Paper Shelving

Works on paper shelving accommodates Hollinger boxes, Solander cases, maps, boards, posters, and other flat works with non-gassing material that protects stored collections. Units include adjustable shelves that users can adapt vertically to ensure efficient space use while keeping everything safe and organized. You can even add hinged doors with key or electronic locks that protect works from theft, dust, and more. Stand the static configurations against an empty wall to maximize vertical space efficiency. All have an open front large enough to provide efficient airflow and preserve the stored items integrity.

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Buy Artwork Collection Storage Online

Artwork collection storage units are available to buy online with free dock-to-dock shipping included. If you need any assistance or just want some help picking the right solution for you, please call us at 1-855-786-7667.

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Herbarium Drying Cabinets for Plant Specimen Desiccation

Plant Specimen Storage & Desiccation Cabinets

herbarium drying cabinetsDried plant specimens provide extremely important information to those who research them on the world around us. Their study is essential for taxonomy, ecology, anatomy, morphology, biology, pharmacology, and many other scientific disciplines, in addition to history. Without proper herbarium storage, rapid degradation can cause these irreplaceable samples to be lost.  Herbarium drying cabinets provide safe storage for plant specimen desiccation in a variety of museum and research applications.

The herbarium drying cabinets work by extracting moisture from pressed plant specimens, which preserves their structural integrity during storage. An independently-controlled fan and thermostatically controlled 120 V heater allows the cabinet to reach a maximum internal temperature of 120°F. The fan and heater combination allows thorough and rapid desiccation of plant specimens.

In the event of a thermal overload, the indicators on the doors will flash red. For normal operation, the indicators remain green. With five vented shelves adjustable on 1″ centers, you can store specimens of various sizes in one cabinet. The perforated shelves are designed to provide efficient heat and air circulation throughout the cabinet to dry all specimens evenly.

Features

plant specimen desiccation cabinetsAdditional features of the herbarium drying cabinets include:

  • Five perforated shelves adjustable in height on 1″ centers
  • Equipped with thermostatically controlled 120 volt ceramic heater (UL Listed 1500 W) with an independently controlled fan
  • Maximum internal temperature 120°F; alarm will sound if temperature goes over
  • Door indicator lights indicate normal operation and thermal overload
  • Door mounted speed controller for fan
  • Internal temperature 115-120°F depending on shelf positiong
  • 3-prong 6′ power cord
  • Locking handle
  • Four leveling feet
  • Hinged door will lift-off to provide ease of transportation
  • Powder coat finish with no off-gassing or VOCs
  • Great for natural history museums, botany & organic chemistry departments, medical research centers, pharmaceutical drug dispensaties, and more

Buy Herbarium Drying Cabinets Online

Herbarium drying cabinets for plant specimen desiccation are available to buy online. You can also click here to see more museum cabinet solutions. For further assistance, give us a call at 1-855-786-7667. One of our storage experts will help answer all of your questions.

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Solander Box Shelving Storing Flat Works on Paper

Flat Works on Paper Shelving

solander box shelving storage works on paperSome types of specific documents can’t be stored most efficiently on regular shelving. For example, many flat works on paper for museums, archival facilities, construction documents, and other applications require specialized storage to protect these materials from damage. More and more museums use Solander box shelving as a new standard to store historical documents and all types of flat and rolled storage.

The durable steel construction and non off-gassing finish makes the shelving perfect for storing Solander cases, Hollinger boxes, maps, mat boards, posters, drawings, blueprints, and other works that need to lay flat. This allows the materials to last longer and prevents damage from being folded or rolled up, which is especially crucial for historical archives. These shelves are also great for large format works that may not be suitable for other types of storage. Shelves are available in multiple sizes to accommodate oversized products up to 46″ x 36″.

Solander Box Shelving Featuresarchival shelves storing flat rolled works on paper

  • Adjustable shelves on 1 ½” increments allow you to store a variety of document and case sizes
  • Shelf width openings are 2″ less than the overall width of the unit (ex: 30″ wide shelf has an actual width of 28″)
  • Closed vertical uprights made from heavy-duty 10 gauge steel for extra durability
  • Available in heights of 76 ¼” and 88 ¼”
  • Bottom kick plates included to prevent objects from rolling under the unit
  • Units come with a closed back
  • Shelf reinforcements provide maximum load capacity of 1,500 lbs. for the entire unit
    • 48″ wide shelves: 450 lbs. weight load per shelf
    • 42″ wide shelves: 550 lbs. weight load per shelf
    • 30″ & 36″ wide shelves: 450 lbs. weight load per shelf
  • Powder coat provides no off-gassing finish to protect stored items from deterioration
  • Available in a variety of powder coat colors
  • Limited Lifetime Manufacturer’s Warranty
  • Made in the U.S.A.

Buy Solander Box Shelving Online

Solander box shelving is available to buy online and comes with easy do-it-yourself instructions. For further assistance, give us a call at 1-855-786-7667. One of our storage experts will be able to help answer all of your questions.

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Museum Storage Systems | Herbarium & Entomology Cabinets | Framed Art Racks

museum storage systems including cabinets and racksAs you know, improper storage is very bad for your museum. Many of the artifacts and artworks you have are very old and practically priceless. In addition, specimens that are studied and researched at your museum need to be properly preserved. That’s why StoreMoreStore has a range of museum storage systems that are specifically designed to protect your collections.

Herbarium & Entomology Cabinets

The many features of herbarium & entomology cabinets – paint that is non-gassing and non-reactive, heavy duty steel construction, a sealed and waterproof top – make them a secure investment in the protection of your museum’s collection.

Entomology and Herbarium Museum CabinetsAnd if your collection is at risk for water damage from fire suppression systems or insect attacks, these cabinets offer the maximum protection available.

Framed Art Storage Racks

Framed art storage racks are a flexible and dependable art storage system. Each horizontal shelf can be adjusted up or down on 1 ½ inch increments so that each opening can be customized for storing you museum and gallery collection. In addition, the framed art storage racks have a powder coat paint finish that does not put off gases to ensure your collection will be protected long-term. Also, there are 13 different colors to choose from for your racks that will match any décor.framed art racks roll-out and stationary

Roll-Out Art Racks

Roll-out art racks are designed to maximize space for storing museum art collections. Each panel on the rack has heavy duty braided mesh to allow for hanging artwork on both sides. The racks anchor to the floor with no need for ceiling support, and the linear motion design helps each rack to slide in and out without disturbing the other racks. Because there are no access aisles in between each row, you will easily be able to increase your storage capacity in less space. Also, the roll-out art racks slide smoothly and quietly, which makes them an excellent art storage system.

Shop Now for Museum Storage Systems

Visit our museum storage home page to find herbarium & entomology cabinets, framed art racks, and more for your collection. If you need any help or have any questions, please give us a call at 1-855-786-7667.

 

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Herbarium Cabinets for Storing Your Plant Specimen Collection

The Importance of Your Herbarium CollectionOpen Herbarium Cabinets Storing Plant Specimens

Without your herbarium, the study of plants would not be possible. Harvard University’s Herbaria and Library states, “As we lose natural habitats the world over, herbaria increasingly serve as a record of the recent history of plant life, and as a repository of precious genetic information. Herbaria hold the tools for our understanding of the plant world.”

The Special Care You Take to Preserve Plant Specimens

As botanists and mycologists, you take special care to preserve the form and color of plant specimens – carefully drying, pressing, mounting, and labeling them. Then after all that work, you store your collection in a cabinet or on shelving. But the next thing you know…everything has wasted away! What happened!?

Cabinets that Work as Hard as You Do to Maintain Your Collection

You probably used inferior cabinets or shelving. With the massive amount of work you do to ensure your herbarium collection is mounted and labeled correctly, you need to be using cabinets that will work just as hard to keep everything safe. StoreMoreStore has cabinets that are designed for the express purpose of herbaria archival and storage.Herbarium Cabinet Shelf for Botanists

The many features of our cabinets – paint that is non-gassing and non-reactive, heavy duty steel construction, a sealed and waterproof top – make them a secure investment in the protection of your herbarium collection. And if your collection is at risk for water damage from fire suppression systems or insect attacks, these cabinets offer the maximum protection available.

Protect and Store Your Herbarium Collection in the Right Cabinets

Your specimens are what allow people to understand the relationships between plants; how they are distributed throughout the world; ways in which plants can be used to help our economy; and the science behind their molecular composition. So why not make sure they are protected the right way: in a cabinet from StoreMoreStore.

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Herbarium Cabinets | Plant Specimen Storage | Botany Storage Cabinets

half height herbarium cabinetsHerbarium Cabinets Provide Safe and Secure Plant Specimen Storage

Botanists, Biologists, and Land Surveyors need to protect their plant specimen collections. At StoreMoreStore, we have a variety of herbarium cabinets that will provide safe and secure plant specimen storage.

Herbarium and Botany Storage Cabinet Features

Our herbarium cabinets are designed to offer your plant specimen collection the best protection from light, insects, rodents, dust, and water. Here are just some of the herbarium cabinet’s features:

• Heavy-duty reinforced steel construction

• Baked powder coat finish, non off-gassing, non-reactive, solvent freeLarge Botany Storage Cabinets

• Sealed, waterproof top

• Closed-cell pure silicone gasket, mechanically held in place keeping the cabinet airtight

• Lift-off reinforced doors, each door seals and operates independently

• Three-point latching system

• Space in front and rear of shelf allows for air flow

• Lever-Ease recessed full lever handles, with key lock

• Available in 8 standard colors with custom colors available

Contact Us Today to Order Herbarium Cabinets for Plant Specimen Storage

Wide Plant Specimen Storage CabinetsVisit our website now to shop for herbarium cabinets! We have half height cabinets, wide cabinets, and large cabinets that will provide great plant specimen storage for your collection.

We want to provide you with the perfect herbarium and botany storage cabinets that will meet all of your requirements, so if you don’t see what you’re looking for or you want to pick out a custom color for your cabinet give us a call at or send us an email. Our representatives will work with you to make sure you get exactly what you need!

Interested in Other Specimen Storage Cabinets Besides Botany Storage Cabinets?

If you are interested in more than just herbarium and botany storage cabinets, then take a look at our entomology cabinets and museum cabinets!

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