As art collectors know, there are three features that matter most to ensuring your works stay safe in your home—lighting, fire suppression, and climate, including temperature, humidity, and exposure to excessive heat and moisture.
But preparation really begins with installation, says Laura Doyle, senior vice president, fine art and valuable collections product leader at Chubb Insurance. “Homeowners should work with architects, a professional art handler, and art advisors to design an installation plan,” she says. “Those experts will advise you on the fragility of the work and the weight of the pieces to make sure everything is installed with the right weight gradings.”
Once all of your artwork is placed, homeowners should check the installation hardware every decade. “This is critical, as hooks and wires can weaken over time,” Doyle says.
This appeared in the Luxury Outlook 2024 Report by Sotheby's International Realty.