December 17, 2024
Editor’s Note:
To make this article as relevant as possible, we have updated it with new and more timely resources that we hope you find helpful. As always, if you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Materials & Applications Specialist team at [email protected].
In any emergency or natural disaster, such as the devastating flooding caused by Tropical Storm Harvey in the Houston area and Hurricane Irma in Florida, the first priority is the life and safety of yourself and those around you. As the water recedes, however, and people are able to return to their homes and studios, there will be a lot of damaged artwork to assess, and quick actions needed in order to salvage them. Below is a list of resources that provide useful guidelines for rescuing artwork, securing emergency relief funds, and connecting with industry experts for advice and guidance:
Salvage Techniques for Water-Based Emergencies
Smithsonian National Collections Program
Mold-Damaged Artwork: DIY Salvage Techniques Video
CERF+
Studio Protector: Tools and Resources to Help Formulate a Plan to Protect Your Practice
CERF+
Get Ready & Emergency Relief Grants
CERF+
Dealing with Wet Contemporary Paintings: Tips for Artists—Mold and Paintings
MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
Immediate Response for Collections
MoMA (Museum of Modern Art)
Salvage at a Glance
Western Association for Art Conservation
Is Your Artwork Wet or Damaged? Here’s What to Do
New Orleans Conservation Guild
Emergency Treatment of Water-Damaged Paintings on Canvas
Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI)
Disaster Response & Recovery Guides
American Institute of Conservation (AIC)
Field Guide to Emergency Response Supplementary Resources
American Institue of Conservation (AIC)
Guides on Caring for Your Belongings
American Institute of Conservation (AIC)
Emergency Preparedness and Response
AIC Conservation Wiki
FAIC Emergency Response and Salvage App – Apple® devices
Foundation for Advancement in Conservation (FIAC)
Conserve O Grams – Section 21: Disaster Response and Recovery
National Park Service (NPS)
Endangered Heritage: Emergency Evacuation of Heritage Collections
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM)
If you need professional help with the cleaning, repair, or the salvage recovery of your artwork, we recommend the interactive Find a Conservator page maintained by the American Institute of Conservation:
Find a Professional Conservator
American Institute of Conservation (AIC)
And finally, we are certainly here to help as best we can, so please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected] or by phone, 800-959-6543 / 607-847-6154.
