The House

A client, who must remain anonymous, owns a London townhouse with a number of valuable paintings and sculptures.

Some are extremely valuable and very rare. They could not be replaced if stolen.

Their insurer insisted on having an extra level of object-focused security, as art in private residences is particularly vulnerable and is among the most commonly stolen property.

Business Challenge

The client required a means of easily monitoring the collection without wires, PCs and false alarms.

The system had to guarantee art protection while easily co-existing with children and occasional entertaining.

The requirements were:

• 40 key paintings and sculptures must be monitored.
• Sensors must be invisible and cannot be hard-wired.
• Sensors must be attached and unattached without damaging artworks.
• The client must be able to move paintings between walls without the intervention of third parties.
• Coverage of 5 rooms and an entrance hall.
• Free-standing metal sculptures on desks and floors must be protected.
• Sensors must be able to be deactivated on a room-by-room basis.
• The system must integrate fully with the Honeywell Galaxy intruder alarm system and be monitored through it.

The Solution

Fortecho Solutions worked closely with the client and incumbent security contractor to provide the ideal system, ensuring effective integration, perfect coverage and optimal local support if and where required.

• All paintings were fitted with a long-life (8 years) motion-sensing tag.
• Fortecho Solutions created 4 bespoke pressure-sensing plinths in a shape and finish to suit each sculpture, as chosen by the client.
• 9 RFID readers were installed covertly across the house, including in the basement and joinery.
• The system is controlled by a standalone Fortecho Lite touchscreen, allowing room-level control.
• The system activates the local intruder alarm system, with room-specific art alarms registered.

ROI

• Enhanced security of works of art.
• Total integration of existing security systems.
• Real-time audit of the collection.
• Electronic historical log of all alarms.
• Insurance cover granted.
• Ensured security and peace of mind.