Are more controls required to protect important art works on display in museums and galleries?The recent damage to Monet’s Argenteuil Basin with single sailboat, highlight the need for tighter controls over viewing.While in Rome recently I went to an exhibition of works from the Guggenheim collection and security was rife, so much so that it spoiled the experience a little.Security is a fact of life and an absolute requirement for the protection of art but it is not the only solution. Viewing important artworks in other galleries behind large protective sheets of Perspex is not the answer either. Roping off an area in front of the painting as in the National gallery in London keeps visitors back a “safe” distance from the works on display but for the enthusiast close examination of the fine detail in a painting becomes lost.One of the things I like about our National Gallery here in Ireland is the fact that one can view the paintings up close and security is not over zealous. I like visiting galleries like the Crawford Gallery in Cork to see the remarkable Sean Keating and being able to see the brushwork.
Perhaps the time has come to place oils on canvas behind museum Perspex in their original frames.
In my view this would not detract from the viewing of the work and would also negate the need for over the top security personnel. There is now a museum standard, non reflective and perfectly clear Perspex which is also anti scratch. This product would have protected the painting from damage accidental or malicious.
More information on museum perspex
Perhaps the time has come to place oils on canvas behind museum Perspex in their original frames.
In my view this would not detract from the viewing of the work and would also negate the need for over the top security personnel. There is now a museum standard, non reflective and perfectly clear Perspex which is also anti scratch. This product would have protected the painting from damage accidental or malicious.
More information on museum perspex
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