Conservation Storage – Picture Racking

Rotadex Picture racking otherwise known as vertical storage systems comes in four different styles/types:

Double skin racking/ shelving with pigeon holes of varying sizes for storing pictures/prints in a vertical position within fixed shelving/racking which is designed to protect the integrity of the contents. This is done by ensuring the shelving has a smooth surface with no protrusions that may cause damage to the frame or surface of the picture or print. Generally units are free standing and do not require any permanent fixings to the floors, walls or ceiling. Sidewalls and shelves are of a modular design with the depth made up of separate modular elements. This allows the units to be broken down and moved as and when requirements dictate.

As part of their storage makeup, many museums and galleries choose to utilise valuable wall space for storing pictures and works of art. This is done by fixing 50mm x50mm galvanised mesh panels to walls. The 50mm x 50mm squared, 10-gauge galvanised welded mesh has a smooth powder coated finish with a minimum weight loading capacity of 25kg per square metre. This is suitable for weights commensurate with most collections it is designed to carry. Discreet hanging clips allow pictures and works or art to be hung safely optimising available wall space.

As a means of optimising space while providing safe storage and access Museums and Galleries also utilise pull out vertical mesh panels for storing pictures and works of art. This is done by designing a bespoke steel framed structural support framework for the space. This framework is based on existing designs and products from the Rotadex range. The system incorporates:

• Metal framed pull-out rack with open mesh, flush both sides.
• Top hanging track, easy glide, vibration-free operation with sealed-for-life bearings.
• A top track, with facility for easy post installation and adjustment of spacing of frames.
• The system offers a full range of accessories, including hanging and fixing systems, support trays, label holders and the option of a steel clad enclosure.

Components for Pull-Out Frames:

• Double-sided metal frames, having top hanging wheels, shoot bolts to restrain frame during loading, and pull handles.
• Double-sided mesh infill panels to frames, welded flush both sides, for supporting objects.
• Removable, bolt-on or clip-on, metal support shelf brackets, to support heavy loads directly on bottom member of pull-out frame, or intermediate brackets hooked directly to the mesh.
• Flush floor sockets for shoot bolts in open and in closed positions.
• Metal top channel runners to carry top hanging wheels to frames.
• Bottom guide wheels to frames only.
• Structural steel horizontal support beams, for fixing top runners.
• Structural steel columns and frame steelwork, for supporting horizontal beams. This structural steel framework will take all loads down directly to the floor, and the structural floor members below. Structural calculations will be provided by Rotadex Systems Limited to the Museum prior to manufacture for approval.
• Steel cross beams for fixing tops of columns and frame steelwork.
• Cushioned end stops.

Where there are space restrictions or pull out vertical mesh panels are not a desirable means of optimising space Museums and Galleries also utilise mobile vertical mesh panels for storing pictures and works of art. This is done by fixing 50mm x 50mm Galvanised mesh panels onto mechanically assisted mobile bases. The 50mm x 50mm squared, 10-gauge galvanised welded mesh has a smooth powder coated finish with a minimum weight loading capacity of 25kg per square metre. This is suitable for weights commensurate with most collections it is designed to carry. Discreet hanging clips allow pictures and works or art to be hung safely optimising available floor space. The mobile bases are mechanically assisted with a non slip infill floor fitted between surface mounted tracks. This means that vertical mesh panels can be moved sideways on a mobile base in order to create a very high density storage facility while safely optimising the available floor space. Examples of clients for whom Rotadex has produced picture racking included the Government Art Collection, National Museum Wales, Swindon Museum & Art Gallery and Canterbury Museums.