Documenting Your Collection

Documentation of your artefacts is important, as during times of loss or theft, it will help to provide vital information that may lead to the recovery of your items. Documentation should include details of dimensions, provenance, date, usage, material and technique used.

Follow these basic steps:

• Take photographs of the artefact in two views - overall and close-up. Remember to include close-up views of any important details e.g. inscriptions or markings.
• Include a scale of the artefact's image e.g. by using a ruler in the photograph.
• Note down vital information such as type (e.g. painting, watch), material, identifying marks such as inscriptions, markings, dimensions and the date or period when the artefact was made.
• File the information and photographs in a secure place, separate from the artefact