I met up with Miller Gaffney at Park Cafe on Rutledge Ave for a glass of rosé and some “art” talk. Miller, a South Carolina native, is an expert in collecting art and antiques for investment purposes. She has appeared on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow and Market Warriors and will be starring in Ovation's Art Breakers this fall. Miller offered a few essential tips for how to care, repair, and live with art and furniture after you buy it.
Miller reminds us there are a few things to consider when bringing home your treasure since art does not always come with instructions for how to take care of it. A common mistake Miller warns against
is placing art too close to direct sunlight as fading will likely be a result. Some collectors prefer UV reducing glass and plastics, but best practice is to avoid large amounts of sunlight near your art altogether. Miller reflects on several scenarios where children or pets have accidentally damaged a piece of art or furniture leading to a decline in overall value. It is vital to keep your art out of harms way by displaying it away from small fingers or sharp claws. Routinely checking the temperature of the room where your art will be displayed is also extremely important. Rooms that are too hot or humid can damage art over time. Changes in temperature may cause flaking and cracking in the paint called craquleure. Abstain from storing your painting or art next to a hot light or fireplace as this may cause paint and materials to become soft or brittle. Never use household cleaners or similar liquids to clean paintings. If your art needs to be cleaned, make sure to hire an art conservator for the job.
For more tips from Miller, look for her new book, The Essentials -Passions Collecting Art & Antiques this Fall. Her book promises to demystify collecting and offer a practical art guide for everyone from beginners to connoisseurs.
Miller Gaffney will be at our Charleston Home + Design Show: Fall Edition to share her vast knowledge of the world of art collecting. So whether you're thinking of starting a collection, investing in more art, or need to learn about protecting the art you already have, join us for Miller’s seminar, “Passions: Collecting Art and Antiques” on August 28th from 5:00 −6:30pm. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (843) 577-7652 or visit charlestonhomeanddesignshow.com. Furthermore, Miller will be conducting free appraisals on August 29th and 30th. Bring your treasured piece to the Charleston Area Convention Center either day between 1pm and 5pm to find out the value of your unique antique!
Posted by Heather Epps, Social Media Director, Charleston Home + Design
