Protecting Art and Paintings from Earthquakes in Las Vegas

Las Vegas is located in a seismically active region, so it is important to take steps to protect your art and paintings from earthquakes. This article will provide you with tips on how to secure your art and paintings, develop a disaster response plan, and purchase earthquake insurance.

Securing your art and paintings

The most important thing you can do to protect your art and paintings from earthquakes is to secure them to the walls or other surfaces. This can be done using a variety of methods, including:

  • Earthquake-safe brackets and screws: These brackets and screws are designed to withstand the shaking and vibration of an earthquake. They can be purchased at most hardware stores.
  • Museum wax: Museum wax is a type of adhesive that can be used to adhere small objects to surfaces. It is safe for use on art and paintings.
  • Security cables: Security cables can be used to secure larger objects to walls or other surfaces. They are often used to secure valuable artwork in museums and galleries.

When securing your art and paintings, it is important to choose the appropriate method for the size and weight of the object. You should also make sure that the method you choose is compatible with the type of surface you are attaching the object to.

Here’s an anecdote video about the damage to a painting that fell off of the wall due to an earthquake and the destruction of the Chinese statues (pictured above) underneath it. Besides putting huge holes in the painting and causing original paint loss (and frame damage) it completely shattered the heads of the Chinese statues worth $10,000’s.

While this accident caused $50,000.00 of damage and loss of value (insurance covered it), a cherished irreplaceable heirloom would have been a heartbreaker… but totally avoidable!

Surprisingly, an easy, quick, do-it-yourself anchoring technique can save you in all of these tips mentioned above; this will help you big time! Here’s 1:30 sec quick fun interesting video: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO

Developing a disaster response plan

In the event of an earthquake, it is important to have a plan in place for protecting your art and paintings. This plan should include the following:

  • A list of all of your art and paintings: This list should include the title, artist, and value of each object. You should also include a photo of each object.
  • A plan for evacuating your home or business: This plan should include an evacuation route and a meeting place for your family or employees.
  • A plan for protecting your belongings: This plan should include steps for protecting your art and paintings from damage. You may want to consider storing your art and paintings in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or a climate-controlled storage facility.

Purchasing earthquake insurance

Earthquake insurance is a type of insurance that covers damage to your property caused by an earthquake. If you have a collection of art and paintings, it is important to make sure that they are covered by earthquake insurance.

When purchasing earthquake insurance, it is important to choose a policy that covers the full value of your art and paintings. You should also make sure that the policy covers the type of damage that is most likely to occur in your area.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips for protecting your art and paintings from earthquakes:

  • Store heavy objects on lower shelves. This will help to prevent them from falling and causing damage to other objects below.
  • Place fragile objects in cabinets or drawers. This will help to prevent them from falling and breaking during an earthquake.
  • Consider storing your art and paintings in a climate-controlled environment. This will help to protect them from damage caused by temperature and humidity changes.
  • Have your art and antiques appraised by a professional. This will help you to determine their value and make sure that they are properly insured.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your art and paintings from earthquakes.

Conclusion

Earthquakes can cause significant damage to art and paintings. By following the tips in this article, you can help protect your art and paintings from earthquakes.

Do you have art collection care questions? Call (702) 757-3820.

Art and antiques appraisal questions? Call Richard Holgate at 805-895-5121.

Here is a real-life testimonial about Fine Art Conservation Laboratories

“Scott,

Thanks for writing such a good article on the Italian earthquake. I was glad to read it and send it on to friends—some of them in Italy!

We do take many of the precautions you mentioned in your article and book including having earthquake insurance in Indiana. The New Madrid fault rumbles here every once in a while and after living in CA we would never take a chance. Just last year we had a small quake that rattled all my antiques and would have broken quite a few items in a pottery collection.  But we bought some Museum Wax when we visited my sister in San Diego in December. David had installed Plexiglas in the front of the open case. Plus we have wires on many bookshelves. Thanks for your tips and coaching. It pays to be prepared! All my best, Lynda “

More about Fine Art Conservation Laboratories - Las Vegas

Do you have artwork that has flaking paint, is dirty, has yellowed varnish, or is rippled or distorted, has been ripped, or is stained or moldy or cracking (hopefully, not ALL of those problems all on the same painting!)? We are happy to discuss with you on the phone or at your house or office any questions you may have about the condition of your artwork… and we know all your questions (and the answers) before you ask them. “We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.” Scott M. Haskins, Principle, has been active professionally since 1975 and our other two painting conservators have been 1st class-quality veterans for decades.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc. Est. 1986) provides on-location consultations and pick up/delivery professional fine art restoration services for someone who has inherited… or found a treasure, the avid collector, the weekend art dealer, or professionally oriented collections. FACL is also recognized and well-known nationwide and internationally for art restoration work on murals. Art storage and other related services are also available in association with the art conservation lab and services. FACL offers specialized services for art-related items affected by natural and home disasters.

The FACL 5,000 sq ft. painting conservation facility is well equipped for work on your single, small family heirloom or for large projects (both in size and in number of items as a result of a disaster, for example). A very large 12’ hot table aids in the consolidation and stabilizing treatments. In addition, 5,000 sq. ft is available for large projects and art storage. This allows for timely response toinsurance claims needs and for disaster response contracts for collections and special projects. While most mural projects are done on location, murals that have been removed from their walls are often worked on in our facilities. Easy truck access and large roll-up freight doors make handling regular shipments safer and make larger shipments possible. Let’s talk about your questions! (702) 757-3820 or [email protected]

On-location projects and mural conservation services have been a focus of Scott M. Haskins since working in Italy in 1975. Both small projects and very large public art projects are of interest (both historical and contemporary). Renowned for excellent quality work, resolving difficult problems, and managing very large projects, over 450 murals have been worked on in many of the states of the USA.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind.

 

Background and Personnel

Scott M. Haskins

(1975-1978) graduated from the Italian government - Lombardy Region (ENAIP) 3-year master’s degree level painting conservation program run in conjunction with the Istituto Centrale del Restauro (ICR) in Rome (the national center). Additional professional training was obtained in the field of art on paper with senior art conservator, Joe Nkruma from the Kunst Museum, Bern Switzerland; polarizing microscopy training from the McCrone Institute, Chicago Il; techniques for treatments on oversized paintings workshops in Italy and those organized through the American Institute for Art Conservation (NY, Toronto). See website for additional background material, Murals Capabilities Statement, Consultation Capabilities Statement, Expert Witness Capabilities,

Click here for mural capability statement: https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/mural/

Click here for past consultation jobs/clients:

https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/consultations/

Click here for our FACL blog:

 http://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/blog/

Ms. Virginia Panizzon,

veteran art conservator has more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of painting conservation treatments and full-time professional commitment.

Brooke Hendershott and Sarah Favret assist the art conservators and are trained conservation technicians with extensive experience in art conservation treatments including on-site services, art cataloging, art handling/transport, and disaster response services.

Ms. Gena Dillon (Business Manager, Office Comptroller, and Logistics) contributes valuable support services.

Flora Arguilla, MBA oversees our satellite operations in Las Vegas and oversees media duties.

Several other very experienced, professional, specialized, conservator associates and technicians assist the FACL art conservators and techs on a project-by-project basis. On large projects (like murals or disaster response clean up), a network of specialized professionals, and very experienced, qualified associates have been part of our team since 1978.

See more about our adventures in art conservation in our website’s media room. Click Here.

 

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