The Challenge of Museum Art Storage
Museum collections are growing but storage space is not. Most major UK museums have significant proportions of their collections in storage at any given time — and the pressure to make more of the collection accessible to researchers, curators and the public is increasing. The right art storage system needs to protect the collection, maximise storage density and make every work accessible without unnecessary handling.
Visible Storage — Art Storage as Exhibition
Visible storage — also known as open storage or study storage — uses accessible art racking in a publicly viewable space, allowing visitors to see stored works alongside exhibited ones. It requires storage systems that are both functionally robust and visually appropriate for a public-facing environment.
Rackstor UK Ltd has designed and installed visible storage systems for museum clients, combining the functional requirements of collection storage with the aesthetic requirements of a public gallery environment.
Mobile Art Storage for Maximum Density
For museums and galleries where storage space is severely limited, mobile art storage — sliding panel racks mounted on wheeled carriages — delivers the greatest storage density. Aisles between panel runs are eliminated, with a single moveable access aisle travelling to wherever a panel needs to be accessed. Up to 100% more storage in the same floor area compared to static panel racks.
Conservation and Climate Considerations
Art storage environments require careful attention to temperature, humidity and light levels. Rackstor UK Ltd works with conservation specialists and building services engineers on museum installations to ensure that storage systems are compatible with the environmental control requirements of the collection. Call 0800 654 6955 for a free consultation.