Guidance: Hanging & Labelling Artwork - Absolute Museum & Gallery Products

A Helping Hand Part 1: Hanging & Labelling Artwork

‘Atlantic Civilisation’ by André Fougeron in Tate Modern, wall-mounted with Absolute Product hanging systems and protected using black freestanding barriers.

Hanging & Labelling

Plan with purpose to make sure your vision does not get diluted.

To the viewer, the efforts required to create the theatre for presentation of an art collection is completely transparent, they are there to absorb and enjoy.

To the curator, architect, designer, contractor, manager, owner… the hours of planning, preparation and perspiration required to create the theatrical illusion, are frequently too numerous to count.

No matter the specialty or angle you arrive, if you are tasked with creating a space for, or curating a collection for installation, it’s key to develop a specific strategy and curatorial programme.

Having collaborated with the considered members behind the scenes, we are able to offer some guidelines that will see the art collection shining centre stage:

1. Plan first for the end result you want

A simple brief is the best way to describe and guide what you want to experience when an installation is complete. This will be your vision and end goal guidepost. Here are some things to consider:

The environment for the installation
- Old, new, retrofit
- Multi use or dedicated to art
The prominence of the art
- Is it centre stage or an element of the environment
The narrative to be conveyed, which frequently leads to,
- Hanging style or hanging methodology, for example “salon style”
What is the labelling concept
- Will there be interpretive text or just the facts
Are there graded building or other considerations
- Can the art and labels be hung directly on the walls

2. The best hanging solutions come from knowing what you have

To select a hanging system, you have to know what you are hanging, in a nutshell this means know the:

Size
Weight
Glazed or unglazed
Frame type
Current hanging system at the back of an artwork
Permanent or temporary installation, and, or on-loan pieces
Security requirements
Insurance requirements
Photograph of the artwork

3. Have what you know in a schedule

Now that you know what you have, it should be in a format that is easily transferred. A simple spreadsheet works best and can be used to coordinate hanging systems and labelling types, and scheduling install locations.

This is especially important if an art collection or piece is the star of a new or re-furb project. Design and build happen across multi-disciplinary groups and the original vision can get lost if there is no concrete reminder.