Installation & Care

Guidelines for preserving and displaying your investment.

Upon Arrival

Your artwork arrives carefully packaged to ensure safe delivery. Upon receipt:

  • Inspect packaging for any shipping damage before signing delivery confirmation
  • Carefully remove artwork from packaging, preserving all protective materials
  • Handle prints by edges only, avoiding contact with the image surface
  • If you notice any damage, photograph it immediately and contact us within 48 hours

If not installing immediately:

  • Store flat in original packaging
  • Keep in climate-controlled environment (avoid attics, garages, basements)
  • Protect from direct sunlight, moisture, and extreme temperatures
  • Do not stack heavy objects on packaged artwork

Displaying Your Work

Wall Selection:

  • Avoid walls with direct sunlight exposure (UV damage over time)
  • Ensure walls can support artwork weight (particularly for Large, X-Large, and Oversized pieces)
  • Consider sight lines and viewing distance—larger pieces require more viewing distance
  • Account for furniture placement and traffic patterns

Hanging Hardware:

  • Professional-grade hanging systems are pre-installed on all framed work
  • For unframed pieces, consult a professional framer for appropriate hardware
  • Use wall anchors appropriate for your wall type (drywall, plaster, concrete)
  • Large and oversized pieces may require two hanging points for stability

Professional Installation Recommended For:

  • Oversized works (36×54")
  • Heavy framed pieces
  • Installations on brick, concrete, or plaster walls
  • Gallery walls or multi-piece installations
  • High-traffic commercial environments

Height Guidelines:

Standard gallery practice positions artwork so the center of the image sits at 57-60 inches from the floor (average eye level). Adjust based on:

  • Ceiling height
  • Furniture placement (art above sofas should sit 8-10 inches above the furniture)
  • Viewer traffic patterns (standing vs. seated viewing)

Preserving Your Investment

Archival Quality:

All prints are produced on museum-quality archival paper designed to last 100+ years when properly cared for. UV-protective glass or lamination provides additional protection for framed works.

Ideal Display Environment:

  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C)
  • Relative humidity: 40-55%
  • Avoid direct sunlight or intense artificial light
  • Avoid proximity to heating/cooling vents
  • Keep away from moisture sources (bathrooms, kitchens without proper ventilation)

Sunlight & UV Exposure:

While UV-protective glass or lamination provides significant protection, prolonged direct sunlight will eventually cause fading and color shifts. Display artwork:

  • Away from south-facing windows with direct sun exposure
  • Using window treatments (blinds, UV-blocking film) if sun cannot be avoided
  • Under gallery-quality LED lighting rather than natural light for museum-level protection

Cleaning:

Framed Work with Glass:

  • Clean glass with standard glass cleaner and microfiber cloth
  • Spray cleaner onto cloth, not directly onto glass (prevents seepage under frame)
  • Wipe gently in circular motions
  • Clean frame with appropriate method for frame material (wood polish for wood, damp cloth for metal)

Framed Work with Lamination (Contemporary Mount):

  • Dust with clean, dry microfiber cloth
  • For smudges, use barely damp cloth (water only, no cleaners)
  • Dry immediately with clean cloth
  • Never use chemical cleaners on laminated surfaces

Unframed Prints:

  • Do not touch the image surface
  • Dust frame edges only
  • If print must be moved, handle by edges while wearing clean cotton gloves

Protecting Your Collection

Insurance:

We recommend insuring fine art photography as part of your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Your Certificate of Authenticity provides documentation of:

  • Original purchase price
  • Edition number (for limited editions)
  • Artist signature and authentication
  • Production date

Provide this documentation to your insurance carrier for proper coverage.

Appraisal:

As limited editions sell out, market value may appreciate. For insurance purposes, consider periodic reappraisal:

  • Initial appraisal: At purchase (Certificate of Authenticity serves this function)
  • Follow-up appraisal: Every 3-5 years for limited edition works
  • Professional appraisal: Available through qualified fine art appraisers

Condition Documentation:

Photograph your artwork periodically to document condition:

  • Overall view showing entire piece
  • Close-ups of any existing condition issues
  • Date and store digital files securely
  • Useful for insurance claims or future resale

Changing Presentation

Reframing:

You may wish to reframe your artwork to match changing interiors or personal preferences. When reframing:

  • Use professional framers experienced with fine art photography
  • Request acid-free, archival-quality materials
  • Ensure UV-protective glass or acrylic
  • Never trim or alter the print itself
  • Keep original framing materials in case of future resale

Alternative Mounting:

Prints can be remounted on different substrates (metal, acrylic, canvas) by professional labs. Contact us for recommendations of trusted production partners who understand proper handling of fine art prints.

Relocating Your Collection

Professional Moving:

For valuable or large pieces, use professional art handlers or movers who specialize in fine art:

  • They have appropriate packing materials and techniques
  • Insurance coverage specific to fine art
  • Climate-controlled transport
  • Expertise in fragile item handling

DIY Moving:

If moving smaller pieces yourself:

  • Use original packaging if available
  • Wrap in acid-free paper (not newspaper)
  • Protect glass with cardboard or foam corners
  • Transport in climate-controlled vehicle
  • Keep flat or vertical (never at severe angles)
  • Do not stack heavy items on artwork

Long-Term Storage:

If storing artwork long-term:

  • Use climate-controlled storage unit
  • Keep in original packaging or archival materials
  • Store flat or vertical (never rolled)
  • Check periodically for any environmental issues
  • Avoid units with dramatic temperature fluctuations

Your Certificate of Authenticity

Each limited edition print includes a Certificate of Authenticity documenting:

  • Image title and collection
  • Size and edition number
  • Artist signature
  • Production date
  • Original purchase information

Maintain this certificate with your artwork. It provides:

  • Proof of authenticity for insurance and resale
  • Documentation of edition status
  • Artist verification
  • Provenance record

For Resale:

Should you decide to sell your artwork in the future:

  • Certificate of Authenticity transfers to new owner
  • Original packaging adds value
  • Document the artwork's condition and display history
  • Contact us for verification services if needed

For specific questions about caring for your artwork or installation recommendations, contact us:

Email: mallory@mallorybrooksphotography.com

We're committed to ensuring your investment remains in excellent condition for decades to come.