The label
A small label on the back or the base of an artwork links it to its permanent record on Philoteknia. Here is which label to use, where to put it, and how to attach it.
Why the label matters
Scan the label and the artwork's record opens: who made it, and what is known about it. Scanning the label of a private record shows nothing, to anyone; its custodian finds the record under My Artworks. Well attached, the label goes with the artwork to every custodian who looks after it, and its record goes with it.
A label documents an artwork. It does not authenticate it.
Which labels to use
Use archival self-adhesive labels. The sheet you print from Philoteknia is laid out for CXD archival self-adhesive labels: reference SUAFLS0036, 50 × 30 mm, 36 to an A4 sheet.
If you use an ordinary self-adhesive label instead, put it only on the frame or the backing board.
What not to use
Never fix a label with tape, glue, staples or pins, and never write on the artwork itself.
Where to place it
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Paintings on canvas or panel
On a stretcher bar, or on the back of the frame. A panel with no frame: use a card tag.
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Works on paper, prints and photographs
On the backing board or the frame, never on the sheet itself. A sheet with no frame: keep it in a folder or sleeve with the label on the folder, and never part the two.
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Sculpture and objects
On its base, if the base is a separate piece. If not, use a card tag.
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Where there is no safe surface
Put the label on a card tag, and tie the tag with cotton string to a sturdy part, never round anything fragile.
Where never to place it
- On the front, or on the artwork's own surface.
- On glass.
- Over existing labels, stamps, inscriptions or exhibition stickers. They are part of the artwork's history and must stay visible.
How to attach it
- Choose a clean, dry surface.
- Press the label down firmly, but only on solid wood or board, never on the canvas.
- Scan it straight away, to check it opens the right artwork. A private record shows nothing when scanned: compare the number on the label with the record instead.
A label lost or damaged: print it again from the artwork's record. It keeps the same number.
A label with a number of its own, such as a pre-printed label already on the artwork: link it under Another label on the artwork's record. The record keeps its number, and the old label goes on working.
Pre-printed labels
- Peel a label off only with the artwork in front of you.
- Attach it, scan it, and complete the record straight away, with a photograph of the label in place.
- Keep the labels you have not used somewhere safe.