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 Safe display of art collection in earthquake zone

Amy Johnson's profile image
Amy Johnson posted 01-09-2024 02:07 PM

Hello,

EDIT:  Thank you for your responses! The information is very helpful! -Amy

I received a question from a collector asking how best to display their collection in an earthquake zone. In her email, she states, "I use the soft bag of sand/marbles inside where possible, and soft cloth/felt underneath. But how can I secure them, protect their surface, not detract from their shape, or hide the design." This person asks about museum putty or rings in which to have the narrow-bottomed pottery sit. My suggestion would be a ring, and I am wondering if there are any other options for this person.

Thank you for your guidance,

Amy Johnson

Bruce MacLeish's profile image
Bruce MacLeish posted 01-10-2024 08:03 AM

I would suggest contacting the conservation department at the Getty Museum, certainly a leading group in the field. The museum is located in a seismically active zone, and research into the protection of collections has been ongoing for many years. A good place to begin would be: https://www.getty.edu/projects/seismic-mountmaking/

Jason Jay Stevens's profile image
Jason Jay Stevens posted 01-10-2024 10:41 AM

There's a Museum Wax product called "Quake" (you should be able to search for it online, "quake museum wax"). I don't have any experience with exhibits being subjected to earthquakes, but I can vouch that this wax indeed forms a very secure — and ultimately removable — bond. We've used it for all sorts of applications.

Erika Bentley Holland's profile image
Erika Bentley Holland posted 01-10-2024 11:35 AM

If you choose to use museum wax, be aware that it will seep into porous surfaces like wood or unglazed ceramic and leave a darker, oil-like stain. I de-installed an long term (20 years) exhibit that used this product. It's not totally archival.

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