Unfortunately, art theft happens

In 1990, xiii works of art were stolen from the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. Works by renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Degas, and others accept never been recovered—and the museum continues to investigate.

They are currently offering a $v million reward for whatever intel on the recovery of these works in expert condition.

Security is a major business in protecting your art collection

We spoke with Beak Anderson, founder and partner of ArtGuard, who besides serves the Gardner Museum as its art security provider. An expert in protecting individual and public collections, Anderson selected a product chosen Magnetic Asset Protection (MAP) as a security solution for whatever stationary object.

"The greatest trouble in a domicile is that the security is off during the daytime," Anderson warns. "That leaves the home open to whomever has access: workers, staff, guests, family."

An asset security solution like MAP is always on, even when your abode security isn't.

Anderson provided u.s.a. with more insightful answers regarding four questions about setting upwardly an at-dwelling, nugget-protection security system:

1. If I Accept a Basic Domicile Security Provider, Is My Artwork Protected?

"There are many different levels of protection," Anderson says.

Although domicile security systems provide a level of protection when they are on, MAP is a split up system. It uses a small, rare globe magnet that tin can exist placed on any valuable, from an heirloom ring to a large sculpture, that detects move and alerts a wireless sensor. Even when the domicile-security system is off, the device protects your avails.

Most nugget security providers, including ArtGuard, have the ability to work with home security companies to create a comprehensive system.

2. How Practise You lot Help Clients Decide the Level of Protection They Need?

"It depends on what kind of response the client wants," Anderson explains. Referring to ArtGuard, specifically, the question becomes: What is valuable enough to spend $129 per sensor?

"If it's a $200 item, it's not worth information technology unless it's irreplaceable," he declares. "The suggested amount of protection depends on the number of pieces. It could be anywhere from one sensor to 100 sensors."

Weigh the costs of the security system and the price or emotional value of the artwork to decide. For expert advice, we suggest contacting an appraiser.

3. What'south Amend, Hidden Security Cameras, or Visible Ones?

If a camera is hidden, and then a potential thief won't know it'south there. If information technology is visible, it can serve as a deterrent fifty-fifty though theives can deactivate it.

"You tin can also have a very inexpensive camera that is triggered past the system if something is ever picked up," Anderson suggests. "The smartest way to protect your assets is through video security."

4. What Else Exercise You Propose Your Clients Exercise to Protect Their Assets?

In addition to home security, Anderson believes that insurance and documentation are non-negotiable steps to protecting your valuables.

"The 2nd step is to document everything about those avails you lot possibly can," he stresses. Take pictures, measurements, and record all provenance documents in your secure, deject-based Artwork Archive inventory account.

Having redundant backups of your provenance in the cloud is a level of protection that is very difficult to compromise.

Take Action Earlier It'south Also Late

"Insurance companies tell me that there are enough of people living in flat buildings with no security outside the forepart desk," Anderson illustrates. "Anyone could go in and walk away with troves of art."

Anderson's goal is to make asset protection simple and understandable. "This isn't going to disrupt someone's life," he says. Researching your options for an asset security system will greatly mitigate your take a chance. "People don't think it can happen to them, so they don't practice annihilation until it'south as well late," he cautions. "They are much more vulnerable than they call back."

Knowing who tin can help protect your collection volition help prevent harm and loss. Gain more insight about security, storage, and insurance in our Essential Guide to Collecting Art.