Archived Articles --- Conservation
The Fabric of History: Caring for Vintage Textiles and Ornamentation
Elinor Coleman


Vintage clothes and personal ornaments that we inherit, collect and receive as gifts make us caretakers of history. These items carry with them a wealth of family and community lore; stories that contain historic information regarding their provenance and handicraft techniques. To preserve this legacy, you should learn how to properly clean, repair and store these precious objects. This article offers a basic, sensible method for preserving and conserving vintage clothing, fabrics, purses, a


To Love and Protect Means Never Having to Remember: A Look At Cataloging Tools For Collectors
Staff Writer


In the eye of a collector, all geese are swans!! Whatever is collected, love is love. If you don’t consider yourself a collector then insert the word gatherer, and if you don’t like what you live with, then don’t bother reading further; this article discusses the gamut of tools available for cataloging those collections and possessions about which we are all so passionate. It offers sound advice on how to get started, and previews various cataloging methods.


The Care and Maintenance of Oriental and Navajo Rugs
Rufus Cohen


There are few collectibles that receive more wear and tear than the handmade rugs on our floors. Whether your home is scattered with antique tribal kilims or designed around modern Nepalese designer carpets, you can preserve them by learning to observe their condition and by following some simple guidelines regarding their care. This article offers valuable information about keeping the important rugs in your collection in top condition.


Ensuring the Preservation of Your Collection
Megan Ann Jones


In today’s financial markets ever greater emphasis is being placed on tangible investments, including fine artwork and collectible objects. Whether the value is monetary or sentimental, it is important to ensure that these items are kept safe from harm. This article offers useful information that will help you protect your collection.


When Wood Travels; Understanding the Whys and Wherefores of Damage in Transit
Staff Writer


It is important to understand the nature of wood before you decide to ship your wooden treasures. This article offers important information for anyone who is planning a long-distance move of wooden antiques and art.


When Selling Or Insuring Fine Art, It Pays To Do Your Homework!
Judith Tartt


Selecting a conservator or an appraiser for your fine art is like looking for a doctor. Why then, do so many people entrust their treasures to the first smiling person that comes along – or to the least expensive? This article offers sound advice on how to avoid being taken for a ride when you are in the vulnerable position of having to entrust your treasures to others.


Protecting Your Fine Art from Hurricanes: Before and After
Rustin Levenson


If all or part of your collection is displayed in a home located along the ocean, bay or within a coastal county, make sure you take action to protect your fine arts and family treasures from hurricane damage. This article provides tips that will help you protect your collection from hurricanes and severe storms.


Caring for Works of Art on Paper
Erica Hartman


Nearly all paintings, drawings and photographs have a least one thing in common. The images are displayed on paper material. This article provides information about common causes of damage to artwork on paper and tips on how you can help prevent it.


How a Conservator Can Help Restore Your Beautiful Art
Judith Tart


Is a brown or yellow tint detracting from the beauty of one of your works of art? If so, you should consider working with a professional art conservator. This article describes the conservation process and offers some tips about selecting a conservator and general art care.


Cleaning Stained Glass Art and Windows
James B. Jensen


How long has it been since your stained glass art or windows have been cleaned? This article provides detailed information about how to clean a stained glass collection and help restore the beauty and luster of its intricate design.


Protecting Your Fine Art Collection
Staff Writer


As a collector of fine art, you are more than just the owner of your valuable items--you also are the caretaker. This article offers eight tips to help you properly care for and prevent damage or loss to your fine art collection.


Art and Earthquakes: Beginning Your Plan
Mike Hascall


The minor earthquake felt by residents of New Jersey and Pennsylvania last month was a reminder that earthquakes are a threat for which everyone--not just those who live in earthquake zones--needs to be prepared. This article provides collectors with more information about how they can help protect their artwork from earthquakes.


The Forgotten Disasters: Protecting Valuables from More than Fire and Theft
Robert H. Goldberg


While fire and theft may be the most devastating threats to your valuable possessions, the majority of losses result from other events. This article identifies many of the commonly forgotten risks--like leaky pipes, termites, and clummsy delivery persons--and offers tips on how you can help protect your collection.


10 Tips for Moving Valuable Possessions
Staff Writer


Are you planning to move? These 10 tips can help you protect your valuables, especially fragile and expensive works of art, antiques and collectibles, while in transit.


Avoiding Fakes and Forgeries When Buying Paintings
Lee Drexler


Fakes and forgeries are more common than you may think. Don’t let yourself get cheated when buying a painting. This article explains what you can do to help protect yourself.


Best Practices for Maintaining Records of Your Collection
Staff Writer


Do you keep detailed records of your collection? Read this interview with Robert W. Koo, president of art management services firm Koo Consulting, to find out why maintaining records is extremely important and to learn about some of the latest technology available to help you.


The Importance of Photo-Documenting Your Collection
Victor Wiener


A recent survey of the readers of chubbcollectors.com revealed that 50% of respondents do not photo-document the items in their collection. This article describes the importance of collection photo-documentation and explains how to go about doing it.


Stolen Art—How to Keep it Out of Your Collection: Part II
Jane C.H. Jacob


Did you know that the majority of stolen art is sold through reputable dealers and auction houses? Did you realize that if you purchase a stolen piece of art, you could be the one to lose out? This article, part II of a two-part article, explains what you can do to protect yourself.


Stolen Art—How to Keep it Out of Your Collection: Part I
Jane C.H. Jacob


Did you know that the majority of stolen art is sold through reputable dealers and auction houses? Did you realize that if you purchase a stolen piece of art, you could be the one to lose out? This article, part I of a two-part article, explains what you can do to protect yourself.


Tips for Cleaning Cloudy Glass
Reyne Haines


All too often, collectors pass on glass items at shows and shops because the glass has a cloudy appearance. If the price of the piece is reasonable, don’t pass it by. Here are some tips on how you can make a cloudy glass collection shine.


Heritage Preservation Publishes First Comprehensive Study of Loss to Nation’s Cultural Heritage as a Result of September 11
Heritage Preservation


Read about Cataclysm and Challenge, a 26-page report offering the first comprehensive study of art lost on September 11.


Choosing a Warehouse that Won’t Wear on your Collection
Tom Pelham


Some people think all warehouses are the same. But when you’re storing valuable collection items, this is definitely not the case. Tom Pelham, collection storage specialist, provides insight into what collectors should look for in a warehouse.


Creating an Inventory
Jan W. Hack


Interested in creating a detailed record of items in your collection. Personal property appraiser Jan Hack walks you through some best practices for creating a collection inventory.


Art in Transit - Planning Safe Transportation for Works of Art
Rustin Levenson


Last month’s collectors survey asked, “If you were going to ship a piece of fine art, how would you package it?” This article illustrates some of the advantages and disadvantages of the seven possible packaging methods listed on the survey.


Emergency Care--Rescuing Works of Art
Rustin Levenson


Conservator Rustin Levenson offers her insight as to how to protect collections from catastrophes. This article contains information for New York City collectors who may need to safeguard their art from dust damage.


Guidelines for the Care of Prints and Drawings
Margaret Holben Ellis


Margaret Holben Ellis, an expert in fine art conservation, explains the fundamentals of caring for prints and drawings.


On The Block: Art Storage
Renee Vara


Renee Vara, Fine Arts Specialist at Chubb, discusses the essentials of fine art storage.





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