Connecting to Collections Care

Hello all, 

Our collections storage is currently getting a much needed upgrade (woohoo!) and we are looking for solutions for hanging heavy, framed objects (primarily flags) on our new art racks. Most of our art racks will be mobile but we are also having two large static racks installed for our biggest framed flags with our largest being 69" by 96" framed and weighing over 100lbs. At a previous job, we used D-rings and S-hooks to hang most of the framed works on the art racks. I'm wondering if this will still be sufficient or if there are other options we should consider. 

Some of our framed flags are already equipped with cleats so finding a way to install the other cleat on the rack could be an option. Unframing the flags is not a possible solution. 

Any and all suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

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Megan Brigman
Registrar
South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
Columbia, SC
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Hi Megan,

As the acting C2C Care community monitor, I'd like to thank you for posting this question to the community, and congratulation on the collections storage upgrade! I've attached a link to CCI's Storage and Display Guidelines for Paintings, which recommends the use of appropriate weighted D-rings, S,C,L and eye-hooks for attaching frames to racking screen, and cleats for extra heavy items. I'm also providing a link to a selection of zinc-plated steel and aluminum metal cleats, however, their weight capacity isn't specified.  Whichever method you choose, make sure the weight limit of each component is not being exceeded. 

Although the C2C Care program does not endorse any particular manufacturer or product, members are welcome to share information on suppliers in addition to their suggestions.

https://www.canada.ca/en/conservation-institute/services/conservation-preservation-publications/canadian-conservation-institute-notes/storage-display-guidelines-paintings.html 

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/french-cleats/  - they also have selections of S-hooks, Screw hooks, and tie-down rings with weight ratings.

Happy organizing!

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Sharon Fickeissen
Connecting to Collections Care Monitor
Senior Library Conservation Technician
Hagley Museum & Library
Wilmington DE
sfickeissen@hagley.org
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