Connecting to Collections Care

Hello,

I am researching different gallery hanging systems and curious how other institutions hang framed artwork. In particular, we are looking at a hanging rail system like this one. Does anyone have experience with these and willing to share the pros and cons, reputable vendors or products? We are interested in the rail system to minimize the need to patch and paint the walls. Thank you!

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Meghan Bailey
Processing Archivist
UMass Boston University Archives and Special Collections
(617) 287-5946
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We use a very similar system - among others in our buildings. I love and hate them.
They are usually not suitable for heavier frames (depending on the hooks and wires up to 20 pound per hook). The frames are not flush with the wall and tilt slighty forward. The dark wires can appear very dominant depending on the colour of the wall and the amount of frames you hang. Coated wires (usually white) are even more limited when it comes to weight. I would also recommend to secure the hooks against sliding down the wires with terminal strips when the object is in the heavier range.

But: The pros definitely outweigh the cons - no patching and repainting of walls and you can switch positions or change the height of the position without any hassle.

I hope this helps.


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Stephanie Dirks
Dipl. Rest.
Wort&Bild Verlag
Baierbrunn
+49 8974433 (363)
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For us, patching and painting was not an option so we went with a track system.  We purchased ours from https://www.ashanging.com/.  The price was very reasonable, the installation was simple, customer service was very helpful in answering questions, and the system is easy for students to use.  A maintenance employee installed them on a curved wall, which I thought might be difficult, but he said they were easy to install.  One reason we purchased this system was for undergraduate student art shows.  My goal was to minimize staff time involved in installation, and have students do as much as possible.  I wrote some instructions for them, and would give them a brief lesson, and then they'd do most of the installation and de-installation themselves.  Everyone who used commented on how easy it was to use.

I've attached instructions I wrote for students that might provides some more details.

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Jason Skoog
Archives and Systems Librarian
Viterbo University
La Crosse WI
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Meghan,

We have a similar rail hanging system here but it uses clear acrylic rods instead of the cables. There are a variety of hooks to accommodate different types of frames. The rods can be sawn to appropriate lengths (the only negative is storing the rods as they are 8' lengths.) Cables, as long as they are stainless or somehow not subject to rust, could be a nice alternative to the rods. I see the product you are looking at says 'no tools needed'. The system we use does require a small screwdriver to tighten/loosen the hooks to the rods.

I haven't messed with the system as we haven't changed our exhibits in the time I have been here. That said, we are in the middle of planning a big revision so likely things will change and I may have more of an opinion then.

This system was in place before I came and I haven't found any paperwork with information. It might be Walker Display, see https://walkerdisplay.com/product-category/rod-sleeve/ as these rods and hooks look very close if not identical.

Judith

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Judith Downie
Special Collections & History Librarian
California State University San Marcos
San Marcos CA
(760) 750-4312
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At a previous museums where I worked, we used Arakawa hanging systems (https://www.arakawagrip.com/), which seem similar to the ones you were looking at. We really liked them because we had constantly changing art exhibits (not from our collection, we were mainly a history museum). We did always pay attention to specified weight limits. But, we could also use two cables for larger works. That was a bit tough trying to make sure the work was level. The cables and the background on the wall were both dark, so the cables didn't stand out too much.

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Linda Endersby
Registrar/Collections Manager
Museum of Art & Archaeology, University of Missouri
Columbia MO
(573) 882-5077
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