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Press Release
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July 2002
VAPAC HAS THE ART FOR CHRISTIE'S |
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Famous for achieving astonishing prices for many of the world's most famous masterpieces, such as Van Gogh's Sunflowers which achieved a record $25-million, the headquarters of Christie's the world's oldest international fine art auctioneers is ensuring that works of art placed in its care are preserved and maintained using Vapac humidification.
Based in St James' in the heart of London, Christie's expertise covers some 30 sale categories ranging from jewellery, porcelain, china, antique and modern sporting firearms, pictures, wine and is responsible for the safety and preservation of works of art held in its care immediately prior to auction. Many pieces of fine art need to be kept in carefully controlled conditions to prevent drying which can be damaging. A humidified environment helps to prevent premature ageing and drying out of canvas and wood.
Christie's is one of the first auction houses to significantly improve its existing humidification in the sales rooms. It has now humidified the three main auction rooms and exhibition rooms and the warehouses in the basement which are used for extra storage, and two ante-rooms with Vapac humidifiers. Mike Jenner, Facilities Manager at Christie's, says "A new planned programme of humidification was necessary. Protecting items for auction entrusted to our care is paramount. Some of the more delicate pieces may be damaged by a non-humidified environment.
The project has to be completed within a set time frame causing minimal disruption as Christie's room are in use all year round during the day and evenings. The system also has to be capable of being networked into Christie's own Building Management System (BMS).
Vapac's track record for reliability and ease of maintenance helped secure the contract with its Microvap close control PE models being installed. These use the Varivap control system whereby the solid state relays adjust the supply of energy to the cylinder and maintain steam output. Response is rapid ensuring output closely follow changes in demand.
Most rooms are now kept at 55% RH except when sporting guns come up for sale and BMS ensures that room temperature is maintained at 21 degrees centigrade.
"Humidification allows us to provide a valuable service to our clients whilst we are the temporary guardians of their works of art" comments Mike Jenner. "It is our intention to humidify every other building in the Christie's group in London and provide value added service for our clients."
Press Enquiries, Sales/Marketing Enquiries:
marketing@vapachumidification.com
Tel: 514-352-0406 Fax: 514-352-4568
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