Here are 5 reasons why fine art shippers are essential for art collectors. Transporting fine art can be a risky business. For art collectors to feel assured throughout the process, a fine art shipping service needs to be knowledgeable, professional, and thorough. It takes much more than boxing something up and putting it in a van… Find out what we do to instil confidence in art collectors.
The Role Of Fine Art Shippers
Fine art circulates around the globe constantly. From studios, galleries, and auctions, to warehouses, homes, and museums. In 2023, exports of art and antiques amounted to £3.9 billion. It goes to show how integral the art shipping industry is to our economy.
If we look at the global art auction market, 82% of transactions are valued at £7500. The remaining percentage is more. Now, with that in mind, after making such a pricey investment, a collector’s biggest concern is ensuring the work arrives at their location safely.
This is the main prerogative of fine art shippers and why this is such a specialist field. You cannot hire a standard shipping company to carry out this task, as the appropriate security measures and regulations will not be in place.
The movement of artworks requires expertise and resources that only fine art shippers have access to. They are employed to offer art collectors some piece of mind whilst their works are in transit.
The role of a fine art shipper is to meticulously oversee the packing, handling, security, and shipping of fine artworks, so their integrity is perfectly maintained in transit. For more on How Hiring Fine Art Shippers Secures Your Art’s Future, follow this link.
5 Reasons Why Fine Art Shippers Are Essential For Art Collectors
1. Expert Handling Of Priceless Pieces
Some fine artworks can date back centuries. Others are made from rare and highly delicate materials. In any case, fine art can be temperamental. The slightest snag or mishandling could jeopardise the value of the work.
Fine art shippers are specially trained to handle fine art, preventing any form of damage. This is a consideration throughout the entire shipping process. Lifting, packing, and storage are all standardised to protect the works.
2. Custom Packaging Solutions
Specific materials and packaging techniques must be used for fine art shipping. Standard packing methods do not offer the necessary protection needed to meet the unique requirements of fine art pieces.
With custom-built crates and specialised packing materials, like Glassine paper, art shippers ensure that the pieces remain intact. Before attempting to move a piece or collection, fine art shippers will do a risk assessment and establish the appropriate controls they must put in place. This may include climate control solutions, pH level controls, and/or shock-absorbent packaging.
Find out more about How To Protect You Collection During Transportation here.
3. Climate-Controlled Transportation
Many fine artworks are considered ‘old’. The materials used to make these one-of-a-kind pieces can be highly sensitive. Temperature fluctuations, humidity, or exposure to UV could cause discolouration, cracking, and melting.
This consideration is one of the many reasons why fine art shippers are essential for art collectors. Transit vehicles are equipped to regulate environmental conditions. This is yet another example of how fine art shippers offer thorough protection.
4. Professionalism & Expertise
There is no questioning the fact that fine art shipping is anxiety-inducing for art collectors. In transit, artworks are at their most vulnerable to damage, theft, and loss. The professionalism and expertise of an art shipper will provide a level of confidence and trust.
A team of dedicated, attentive account managers will enhance an art collector’s experience, by making it as stress-free as possible. Regular updates on shipping progress and professional insight will assure collectors that their art is in safe hands.
5. Security & Discretion
The FBI Art Crime Team estimates the black market for stolen artwork generates an annual turnover of $6 to $8 billion.
With such a seismic market for stolen work, the security and discretion executed by fine art shippers is invaluable. All measures taken also aim to protect the privacy of the collector.
Reliable, trustworthy shippers will have unmarked vehicles, making it highly difficult for malicious eyes to detect fine-art shipments in transit. Fine art shipping vehicles are also tracked via satellite communications, so the whereabouts of priceless works can always be observed.
In any case, we always advise getting appropriate insurance coverage when shipping fine art.
Why Fine Art Shippers From Aardvark Are Essential For Art Collectors
We hope you now understand why fine art shippers are essential for art collectors.
If you’re an art collector looking to entrust your fine art with a reliable shipping company- Aardvark Art Services Ltd. can certainly help.
With over 25 years of fine art shipping experience, we ensure every appropriate measure is in place so that your art gets from A to B without a single glitch. If you would like to know more about us, follow this link.
Whether you require a fine art courier service, antique transportation, or packaging & storage solutions, our first-class services are available.
If you would be interested in partnering with us or have any questions, please contact us. You can complete our online form or drop us a line on 01253 794673. We look forward to hearing from you.