A Comparative Guide to Artwork Hangers for Museums & Galleries


Summary

Whilst the specific priorities will vary from artwork to artwork, and setting to setting, when it comes to displaying artworks, especially valuable works, the goal is almost always the same – to find an art hanger that best balances security, practicality of use, suitability to the frame and finished presentation for the viewer. This article compares different artwork hangers to help you assess which option is best for your artworks and facility.


Selecting the right hanger for displaying artworks is crucial to ensure safety, stability, and aesthetic alignment with the exhibit's setting. Whether you're a museum professional, gallery curator, or caretaker of a valuable private collection, understanding the strengths and limitations of different hanger types can streamline decision-making.

The best artwork hangers are those that don’t compete for your attention; ones that are unobtrusive, unassuming and hidden as discreetly as physics and engineering will allow. Ones with minimal fuss, that keep a valuable artwork secure and displayed in its best possible light.

In short, the artwork should be the star of the show, and the hanger should act as a silent, reliable and robust supporting component to its display.

This guide compares three specialised direct-to-wall hangers (for track systems, view our Track Systems Guide) from Absolute Museum and Gallery Products – The Ryman Hanger, Link Hanger, and Chain Hanger—alongside other options like Mirror Plates, D Rings and Z Bar Hangers.


Before we get started – Here are the key factors to consider when choosing an art hanger:

  1. Weight and Dimensions of Artwork: Heavy, large pieces require robust hangers designed to support increased loads.
  2. Frame size, type and condition: Large or rebated frames will need a hanger that can accommodate. Delicate frames benefit from the use of a single, multi-purpose hanger, so that the artwork can be moved from display to storage without needing to damage the frame with additional fixings.
  3. Security Requirements: High-value collections require hangers with theft-deterrent features.
  4. Aesthetic Integration: Choosing a hanger that complements the setting or is dictated by the aesthetic.
  5. Frequency of Change: The permanence of the display will make some hanging systems more suitable.

Remember, the artwork should always be the start of the show. Any hardware that creates a distraction or negatively impacts the finished quality of the artwork on display should be avoided wherever possible.


The Hangers we will look at today, are:
 

  1. Ryman Hanger
     
  2. Link Hanger
     
  3. Chain Hanger
     
  4. Mirror Plates
     
  5. Z-Bars
     
  6. D-Rings
     
  7. Picture Hooks


The Ryman Hanger


Overview: The Ryman Hanger is a highly secure, globally used, professional-grade hanger designed to deter theft and provide exceptional stability. It’s widely adopted by museums and galleries for high-value or irreplaceable pieces, used by the like of the Tate galleries and MoMA.


Pros:

  • Integrated security features to prevent unauthorized removal. High Security Ryman sets require a specific tool to remove the spring keepers, providing maximum protection from opportunistic theft.
  • Discreet design that doesn’t detract from the artwork, these hangers are invisible from the front and provide an almost flush connection to the wall, eliminating any outward tilt as in the case of some hanging methods.
  • Durable construction, suitable for heavy and large pieces. The extended Ryman supports artworks weighing up to 150kg (installation surface permitting).
  • Easy installation, with built in adjustability thanks to slotted mounting holes, so that the artworks position can be tweaked to get a perfectly level finish without having to remove and reattach the hanger, thus also minimising frame damage.
  • Can be used for both display and storage, meaning no further hanger need be used if the artwork is moved between display and storage (works with our Storage Hooks).
  • In addition to attaching directly to the wall, the Ryman Hanger can also be used in conjunction with our track systems.
  • Steel with an electroplated bronze finish that blends with the shadow behind the artwork, so that it remains visually unobtrusive.
  • For extremely substantial artworks, the Link Hanger can be used alongside our stainless-steel L Brackets, that support the frame from below.


Cons:

  • Higher investment vs cheaper, lower grade options.
  • For extremely large or rebated frames, Link Hangers would be more suited.


Best for: High-value and sensitive artworks, used mainly in museum and gallery settings but also works well for private collections and domestic settings, whereby security is important.

 

View Ryman Hanger


Link Hanger


Overview: Another popular, museum-grade choice, the Link Hanger is best for hanging works of art with older, larger, or rebated frames. You might see them used often for displaying Victorian paintings, with beautiful large, ornate frames with deep rebates. Again, this hanger is used frequently by a large international body of galleries, such as the Tate galleries.
 

Pros:

  • An excellent choice for large and rebated frames, but also works with flat-backed frames.
  • The ‘link’ provides immensely strong support between the wall and frame, automatically bridging the gap that is often found on older, heavy artworks.
  • Supports artworks weighing up to 150kg (installation surface permitting).
  • Highly discreet once installed
  • The link design makes opportunistic theft extremely difficult, thus offering a layer of security.
  • Stainless steel therefore no damage to the frame or artwork, as can be the case with some other materials.
     

Cons:

  • Higher investment vs cheaper, lower grade options.
  • The Linked style isn’t really necessary for small, lightweight frames.
     

Best for: hanging older and heavier artworks with large, rebated frames.

 

View Link Hanger


Chain Hanger


Overview: Designed for traditional settings, the Chain Hanger connects artworks to chain hanging systems, often seen in historical or Victorian-style displays. Whilst outwardly traditional in appearance, the Chain Hanger is perfectly modern in its construction and functional properties.


Pros:

  • Perfect for period interiors or heritage spaces.
  • Works well with chain suspension systems.
  • Simple to attach to the artwork, with adjustable screw slots, allowing it to be precisely positioned on the chain.
  • Once the picture frame is levelled and centred, the artwork is securely 'locked' in place by closure of the hook using the supplied captivated Allen screw.
  • Small but strong, made of stainless steel and can safely support artworks up to 30kg when installed using the appropriate fixings.
  • Stainless steel therefore no damage to the frame or artwork, as can be the case with some other materials.


Cons:

  • Limited application outside traditional or period-specific setups.
  • 30kg weight limit doesn't allow for hanging larger, heavier works.


Best for: Heritage properties, traditional galleries, and historic art collections.

 

View Chain Hanger

Mirror Plates


Overview: A simple, low-cost solution that secures artworks flush against the wall, but with visible fixings and minimal security. More of a domestic hanging solution for home galleries, rather than that suited to a professional gallery.


Pros:

  • Simple to install.
  • Inexpensive and widely available.


Cons:

  • No adjustability once fixed.
  • May require wall damage for installation, or reinstallation if not level the first time.
  • Very visible once installed, distracting from the artwork and creating a visually untidy, less professional aesthetic.
  • The fixing mechanism is on display for all to see, reducing security.
  • Low weight carrying capacity vs museum-grade options.
  • Not compatible with storage racking, meaning further frame damage will be required if moving the frame to storage.


Best for: domestic installations where professional-grade hanging hardware is not required.


Z-Bars


Overview: Also known as French Cleats or Interlocking Brackets, Z-Clips provide strong mounting for heavier or larger pieces.


Pros:

  • Supports substantial weight.
  • Low profile, maintaining a clean wall aesthetic.


Cons:

  • Complex Installation - Requires precise alignment during installation. The wall-mounted and frame-mounted clips must be perfectly aligned for a secure fit.
  • Multiple screws required to secure for heavier, increasing frame impact.
  • Once installed adjustments are difficult, making these less suitable for changing displays.
  • The artwork could be lifted off the wall part of the Z Bar, making this option less secure than other options suited to heavy works of art.
  • Not compatible with storage racks, meaning the artwork’s frame will require further damage from the hanger being changed to a storage-friendly hanger.


Best for: Heavy artworks and permanent installations requiring robust support.


D-Rings


Overview: Simple and widely used, D-Rings are small metal loops that attach to the back of a frame, providing anchor points for wires, hooks, or direct mounting.


Pros:

  • Easy to attach to most frames.
  • Cost-effective and readily available.


Cons:

  • Limited weight capacity, unsuitable for heavy or oversized artworks. Weight capacity difficult to quantify as D-Rings or Wire used also impacts this.
  • Requires careful alignment during installation to prevent uneven hanging
  • When wire is used the artwork often leans forward, rather than a vertical, flush position in the case of other hangers such as the Ryman Hanger or Link Hanger.
  • Less secure in terms of accidental damage; artworks can be easily knocked off.
  • Provides no security against theft or unauthorized removal. Extremely unsecure.


Best for: Lightweight to medium-weight artworks in casual or professional settings where theft deterrence isn’t a priority.


Not looking to mount artworks directly to the wall?

You need a Track (Rail) Art Hanging System Instead.

In settings where mounting the artwork directly to the wall is not possible, where additional strength is required or where displays change frequently, a Track system might be more suited to your needs. Please take a look at our guide to Track (Rail) Artwork Hanging Systems.


Track Systems Hanging Guide
View Guide


Conclusion

Each artwork hanger serves a specific purpose, and the choice ultimately depends on the context of the display. The Ryman Hanger excels in security, the Link Hanger shines in its ability to support heavier, larger works, and the Chain Hanger holds its own in traditional settings. For professionals managing large collections, understanding these nuances ensures both the safety and presentation of valuable pieces.

If you would like any advice relating to choosing the most appropriate art hanger, please contact us today, we would be delighted to assist.

 

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Artwork Hangers & Supports

Ryman Hanger - Standard SetRyman Hanger - Standard Set
Ryman Hanger - Standard Setfrom $7.35 (ex VAT)
Ryman Hanger - Secure SetRyman Hanger - Secure Set
Ryman Hanger - Secure Setfrom $14.70 (ex VAT)

Ryman Hanger - High Security SetRyman Hanger - High Security Set
Link Hanger (Pair)Link Hanger (Pair)
Link Hanger (Pair)$33.81 (ex VAT)

Chain Hanger (Pair)Chain Hanger (Pair)
Chain Hanger (Pair)$24.99 (ex VAT)
L Brackets (Pair)L Brackets (Pair)
L Brackets (Pair)from $101.43 (ex VAT)

Track Hanging Systems

Flush Mount Track (Rail)Flush Mount Track (Rail)
Flush Mount Track (Rail)from $152.88 (ex VAT)
H Track (Rail)H Track (Rail)
H Track (Rail)from $111.72 (ex VAT)

T Track (Rail)T Track (Rail)
T Track (Rail)from $126.42 (ex VAT)
C Track (Rail)C Track (Rail)
C Track (Rail)from $67.62 (ex VAT)

Posted by Jade Turner
4th December 2024

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