We often hear collectors lament that they’ve run out of wall space. Well, no more! Rather than buying endless walls or stunting your collection, we propose you consider the Salon Hang. With roots in eighteenth century Paris, it is chic, exuberant and surprisingly practical. Such fans are we, that we’re diving into the history of this hang and arguing for its future, perhaps in your home? 

A salon hang of Eric Thake's linocuts, each mounted on Museum Board and glazed with Art Glass.

Salon Hanging the 21st Century – a contemporary hang featuring works by Charles Blackman, Mark Schaller, Mitjili Napurrula, Lesbia Thorpe and more. 

The History of the Salon Hang

Believe it or not, but the Salon Hang was once the dominant way to exhibit art. Named after the annual exhibition held by the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris, it allowed the artists’ work to all be shown at once. Where you landed on the wall was an indication of your status, with ‘lesser’ artists placed in hard to peek positions.

          

In their dismantling of the status quo, the Impressionists rejected the ‘Salon Hang’. In place of it, they hung their works at eye level around the room, allowing each piece to be appreciated in full. Doing this may seem inconsequential, but for some historians it signifies the inception of the modern art world. Rather than falling prey to the hegemonic class, the Impressionist artists pushed back with their hang. Soon, museums followed suit, shifting their art to eye level.

Salon Hangs Today

So, if Salon Hangs were rejected for being elitist, does having one now make you a snob? Absolutely not. Unencumbered from nineteenth century French aristocracy, Salon Hangs have evolved into an exuberant, Parisian, joyous way to celebrate art.

Done thoughtfully, a Salon Hang can explore the connections between works, or tell a story through them. It places art in a context that is non-linear and complex, reflecting how artists actually exist. As one put it, stand back and you realize “the entire wall is a piece of art”! 

 

That being said, here are some tips to help you not get too hung up with your hang.

1. After you’ve chosen a wall, layout the art you intend to hang on the floor, to get an idea of on how it will look.  
2. Create a ‘Blueprint’ by tapping up bits of paper to nail that will indicate where you need to put a nail.
3. If you’re running a Salon Hang up a set of stairs, ensure your focal works remain eye level as the viewer descends or ascends.
4. If you need a practical pointer on how to hang a work, click here.