There are several effective security hanging devices available from
framing supply catalogs. Nielsen, the frame manufacturer, makes a
relatively easy-to-use system that makes a picture very difficult to
remove without their "key". The down-side of any of the systems I've used
is the size of holes they put in walls.  I get them from local frame
wholesalers and regional distributors like S&W and United Manufacturers
in New York.  I'm sure they have counterparts on your side of the Rockies.

Kevin Canze
Museum Preparator
University of Michigan Museum of Art
[log in to unmask]

On Sat, 20 Jan 1996, [log in to unmask] wrote:

> Could anyone give me suggestions on how to hang 2-D work in a way
> that would deter or prevent theft?  I work at an art gallery on a
> CSU campus that displays art in high-access public areas.
> Currently, we are securing the works to the wall with an additional
> wire that loops the hanging wire of the framed work with an
> eye-screw which is screwed into the wall.  This has proven to deter
> theft because it takes atleast a minute to manipulate the wire in
> order to release the piece from the wall.  However, if someone is
> equipped with wire cutters, they could remove the work in a matter
> of seconds.  Because our shows run for approximately a month each,
> we need to have a fairly easy and simple way of securing these works
> to the wall, but I'm afraid that we are compromising the safety of
> the works for timeliness of installment.
>
> If you have any suggestions, please e-mail my personal address.
>
> Thank you.
> Deborah Bain
> The Student Center Art Gallery
> San Francisco State University
>