What Is Picture Racking?
Picture racking is a specialist storage system designed for the safe storage and access of framed artwork, unframed canvases, prints, photographs and other flat art objects. Unlike conventional shelving, picture racking stores works vertically — hanging on or resting against padded supports — to avoid the pressure damage associated with horizontal stacking.
Picture racking systems range from simple A-frame racks for low-volume storage to sophisticated sliding panel systems that allow individual works to be accessed without disturbing adjacent pieces — essential for collections where works are regularly retrieved for exhibition, loan or study.
Types of Picture Racking
Static picture racking stores works on fixed panels or rails. Simple, cost-effective and suitable for collections where access is infrequent. Works are accessed by moving adjacent pieces — which can be time-consuming and increases handling risk for large collections.
Sliding panel picture racking is the standard system for museum and gallery storage. Individual panels slide out on tracks, allowing any work to be accessed without disturbing adjacent pieces. Panels are padded to protect frames and surfaces. Available in manual and electrically assisted versions for heavy panels.
Mobile picture racking mounts sliding panels on wheeled carriages running on floor tracks. Eliminates aisles between panel runs and significantly increases storage density — essential for collections where space is at a premium.
Conservation Standards
Picture racking for museum and gallery use must meet conservation standards. All contact surfaces must be padded with inert, acid-free materials that will not damage frames, glazing or unframed surfaces. Metal components must be powder-coated or otherwise finished to prevent corrosion in the controlled humidity environments used for art storage.
Rackstor UK Ltd specifies and installs picture racking to PD 5454 and other relevant conservation standards for all museum and gallery clients.
Free Survey and Quotation
Rackstor UK Ltd provides free picture racking surveys and quotations for museums, galleries and private collections across the UK. Call 0800 654 6955 or use the enquiry form.