Curiosities

Old masters were highly knowledgeable about their mediums, working in workshops with assistants who processed materials chosen specifically for long-term stability.

Modern and Contemporary Art, however, brings a lot more drama. From the 20th century onwards, artists began working more individually and experimenting with mass-produced paints filled with cheap chemical additives that can fade or change hue over time.

Driven by a desire to innovate, these Modern and Contemporary artworks often feature unconventional materials like household paint, industrial resins, and mixed media - like oil and gouache - on the same canvas. This unpredictable behaviour creates fresh challenges, requiring conservators and scientists to work together to understand how these new materials age and how to adequately preserve and treat them. 

When air conditioning lowers the temperature, the air cools and its ability to hold moisture drops. This causes a sudden spike in relative humidity. In most cases, the relative humidity consistently stays above 60–65% that tends to develop mould growth on artworks and attract insects. The excess moisture also causes the artwork's materials to swell, leading to warping, cracking, and paint loss.

So, must we suffer the summer heat to protect our art? Not at all! Lowering the temperature actually slows down chemical decay. The secret is pairing air conditioning with a dehumidifier set to keep humidity below 55–60%. Connecting the dehumidifier directly to a drain pipe ensures it runs without interruption.

If managing this environment sounds complicated, stay cool. Get in touch today for a professional environmental check and tailored advice.