The importance of choosing the right solutions for your collections store.
With Museums, galleries and archives we know that the protection of your valuable collection is of paramount importance. That’s why, whether you’re reconfiguring and adding to your collections storage solutions, or your building a complete new collections store it’s important that you know your options, and the strengths of each one.
Here are few points to consider before you jump in and choose a storage solutions for the various areas of your collection.
• Supporting you in the preservation of your collection.
Your collection may include a large cross section of materials, each with unique conservation needs. Organic items such as textiles, wood, paper and paintings are vulnerable to factors like humidity and changes in temperature. Metal objects may be susceptible to corrosion if exposed to humidity. Ensuring that you select storage solutions for within your collections store that keep your items in the right environmental conditions is critical to preventing physical or chemical damage.
• Efficient Use of Space
Often collections store areas are within constrained storage spaces within old buildings, with a large inventory to house. It’s important that you choose high density solutions which make the most of what you have, and allow you to archive these items for easy deposit and retrieval. Choosing combinations of systems (such as roller racking, fitted with shelving and drawers) and engaging with a company that can custom manufacture systems to fit your space, allows you to maximise what you have.
• Ensure Security
Protecting your collection from unauthorised access, accidental damage or even theft is paramount. Choosing high-quality, secure solutions with locking mechanisms and reinforced structures ensures that your valuable collection is kept safe. Clever system choices can also facilitate safer handling practices, minimising the risk of accidents.
• Be Adaptable
As your collections store evolves, with new acquisitions and changing exhibition schedules. Ensure you choose flexible storage solutions that can be reconfigured or expanded as required. Adaptable systems help you respond to changes without sacrificing the organisation or safety of your collection.
Rackline – Experts in Collections Store Design and Configuration.
Rackline’s teams have been serving the museum, heritage and gallery sector since 1984. In this time we’ve devised and implemented a huge selection of tailored solutions within the smallest of regional organisations, and the largest of international names. Below are some of the solutions offered to help you to maximise space and keep your inventory safe:
Art Storage
Rackline’s range of Artwork Storage Solutions are designed to keep your precious inventory safe yet accessible. See our Pull out Art Racking, Lateral Art Racking and Toast Track Solutions.
Mobile Shelving
Our high density Roller Racking is ideal for the secure storage of your collection in the smallest possible footprint. Maximise your space, without compromising on accessibility.
Static Shelving
We offers a huge range of static shelving, from standard library shelving to archive shelving, to stronger industrial solutions depending on your collection, the size and weights of your items.
Secure Storage
Keep your valuables away from un-authorised individuals and safe from contamination in Rackline’s range of secure cabinets. Talk to us drawers, shelves or about adaptions such as runners to fit your trays.
Museum Cabinets
Rackline’s Museum Cabinets are designed to keep your valuable inventory safe. Double skin, steel structure combines with clever design to keep your items secure and safe from external contamination.
Tailored, Bespoke Solutions
Rackline’s team can help you to choose storage solutions that support your individual needs. Where a standard solution doesn’t fit, our design and manufacturing teams can adapt, or create a solution from scratch.
Project Case Studies
Belw are just some collection store projects undertaken by Rackline.
Colchester Museum – Museum Collection Storage
Read how Rackline’s teams undertook a pivotal role in the design, manufacture and installation of storage solutions for the Colchseter Museum Resource Centre.
Fox Talbot Photography Museum – Museum Storage Shelving
Read how Rackline supported the creation of a high density museum storage area for the Fox Talbot Photography museum.
Vestry House Museum
As part of its revitalisation plans during 2023/24 Vestry House Museum engaged Rackline to support in the maximisation of the museum storage areas.
National Museums Liverpool – Picture Racking
When the team at National Museums Liverpool were looking to expand its collections storage capacity with picture racking, it naturally turned to Rackline.
National History Museum Darwin Centre
See how Rackline supported the fit-out of the new National History Museum Darwin Centre, Providing mobile solutions to keep its 3 million + botany specimens safe.
Lambeth Palace Library and Archives
Read how Rackline supported the construction of Lambeth Palace Library and Archives, the home of the Church of England archive.
Find Out More.
To find out more about our offerings for the museum sector here. To discover how we can help you to configure the perfect museum collection store, call us : 01782 770144, or fill in your details below.