Transporting fine art can be one of the most nerve-wracking processes for event and exhibition organisers. Nobody wants to have to tell their boss they’ve just lost a priceless historical painting in transit (we certainly don’t). Art transportation services provide expertise in moving art securely and with care.
In this blog, we are looking into the necessity of art transportation services, and what this process can entail for event and exhibition organisers.
Why Do Events And Exhibitions Need Art Transportation?
Art transportation is significantly more technical than just your run-of-the-mill courier service. For the most part, collections that require careful transit are delicate, fragile (and not to mention expensive) pieces of art. To simply chuck this in the back of a van and hope for the best will not exactly give anyone a peaceful nights sleep. Especially when those pieces are expected to be on display at an event or exhibition the following day!
In transportation, art can be susceptible to environmental damages, forever altering a piece or collection. Factors such as humidity, temperature, dust, pressure, vibration, shock, pests and theft are all threats which must be considered. It makes moving art from point A to point B a heck of a lot more complicated (well… not for us).
To read more on the benefits of art transportation services follow this link.
Best Practice For Art Transportation
So, as we have established, the best way to transport art is with professional intervention. However, there are a number of different practices adhered to, which are specifically tailored to a piece or collections needs.
Approaches to art transportation differ due to requirements of the art itself and its temperament. For example, some pieces will be more susceptible to temperature damage, so this becomes a primary consideration when moving the art.
Regardless of the particular nuances, there are fundamental concerns which apply to all art transportation plans. The following list demonstrates the best practices for shifting such fragile cargo in the safest manner.
Prior Research
Who would of thought that inanimate objects could have so many demands? Art transportation services certainly have to deal with some divas… The art itself. Some artworks must be stood in a particular direction or angle, some materials require specific temperature controls, and so on. Before considering moving art, such demands must be researched and catered for in transit planning.
Shipping Containers
Intricately designed works, such as sculptures, may require a little more than the mere cardboard box and duck-tape. Custom containers are utilised by art transportation services to fit a sculptures dimensions. This also protects works from adverse weather conditions.
Packing
Unfortunately, art transportation services have to use the same roads as everyone else… Meaning pot holes, speed bumps, the lot. Even when airborne, turbulence becomes a threat. Shock absorbent packaging and bumpers which are inside containers eliminate unwanted movement and breakages.
Shipping
It is imperative that art is never exposed during transportation. The slightest tear, or bit of exposure could be irrevocably detrimental. Packing paper is used, and used again, to conceal the art. For extremely fragile pieces, bubble wrap may be used as well. There is no such thing as being overly-cautious in this scenario.
GPS Tracking
It is estimated that each year, 50,000 art pieces are stolen, seeing this illicit market produce an annual turnover of over £5billion (mentally adding this to the list of reasons for hiring art transportation experts).
GPS devices and satellite tracking provide precise locomotive details of artworks and shipment vehicles. Should trackers be removed unexpectedly, the software will send alerts via text or email to notify responsible parties. They can also be configured to notify authorities should any suspected thefts occur.
Follow this link to learn more about how we at Aardvark incorporate these best practices to our services.
Do Emerging Trends In Art Events Impact Transport?
Event organisations are under pressure, now more than ever, to adapt based on consumer expectations. Attendees are becoming increasingly concerned with asset sourcing, transportation and the ecological impacts of an event.
The art industry, and all its partners, are under the ‘sustainability microscope’… And it’s not just the event or exhibition organisers who are feeling this pressure. If an exhibition hosted multiple art works which were all flown in privately, racking up hefty air miles and emissions, needless to say people would not be happy.
For this reason, across many industries, there has been a shift toward local resourcing. Where possible, it also means the transportation of multiple pieces in one shipment is desirable. This makes the professional handling and employment of art transportation services (like Aardvark) that much more essential.
To read more on event industry trends which may impact transportation services, follow this link.
Aardvark’s Services For Events And Exhibitions
At Aardvark, our facilities make us the favoured choice of art transportation services for events and exhibitions. We leave no stone unturned, no painting insecure.
Events and exhibitions need the assurance of guaranteed results. Art will arrive (full stop), be on time, in one piece and unscathed. With over 30 years of experience, our dedicated team promise to deliver on those expectations.
Should you wish to enquire more about the services we can deliver for your event, exhibition, or even art transportation on a smaller scale, don’t hesitate to get in touch!