A rough checklist for the wellbeing of paintings
Checklist front:
- Photograph the painting as it hangs on the wall, preferably include another object to gauge the size.
Photograph the following
- Total front and and details
- If you find an anomaly, make closeup photos of the areas of your concern.
Observe the following
- The canvas tension.
- Check the frame front for loose or missing ornaments, unsightly replacements, dust, gaping mitres.
- Loose ornaments can be safely stored and labeled in one of the bags.
- Take measurements of the frame and the painting. Remember height before width.
Document all your findings
Checklist back:
Take the painting off the wall and lay it face down onto a prepared table.
Now we have access to the back: What to look out for …
Photograph total and detail
- If you find an anomaly, make closeup photos of the areas of your concern
Observe the following
- Labels or writing
- The hanging construction
- Loose screws, bent nails, precarious wire, sticky tape…
- Is the painting firmly in its frame (rebate abrasion…)
- Check if all keys (little wedges) are present.
- Insect infestation – eaten paper, beetle holes, dead moths, ants, spiders…
- Document all your findings
Checklist wall
- Is it an inside or outside wall (as temperature difference and fluctuations cause condensation)
- Check the wall for mold, dust, loose plaster, moisture and feel it’s temperature.
- You may want to replace the nail with a plug and a screw.
- What direction do the elements, wind, rain, and sun come from?
- Is there a draft?
- Vacuum the wall!
- Check the ceiling for loose plaster and moisture.
- Document all your findings
