Globalisation has had a significant impact on the art trade. Nowadays an exhibition can tour the world in a matter of months and a piece can be shipped and delivered from one side of the globe to the other within days. Logistics plays a vital role in all these comings and goings: packing and shipping artwork requires specific expertise and forms the foundations of a smooth shipment.

The item’s features and chosen transport method affect the design and attention given to your packaging solution. Read on to find out more.

Art packaging, the best protection from transit hazards

Lots of things can damage an artwork or item during transit: adverse weather, humidity, accidents, incorrect handling etc. The right packaging helps prevent and avoid this kind of inconvenience that can prove fatal to a piece of art. Here are some potential hazards…

1. Humidity, art’s sworn enemy

Too much or too little humidity can cause long-term damage to an artwork. Too much can distort a canvas, cause condensation or, worse still, mould. Too little creates an arid environment which can cause dry patches, weak points or peeling on paintings.

The container must be able to provide the piece with a stable humidity rate in transit, ideally 50-60%, to avoid this kind of damage.

2. Human handling, the crucial part of shipping the piece

When it comes to moving an artwork or item, human handling always comes into it. It’s a delicate stage that requires the utmost care. Are gloves required? Should the piece be rolled up or folded? Does it need to be dismantled or left whole? Will it be transported in its original position (upright or prone)?

There are lots of questions surrounding it and they all tie into packaging: how much handling is involved depending on the packaging? How do you design a container that requires as little handling as possible?

3. Watch out for jolts and vibrations!

Another inherent risk of shipping is jolts and vibrations. Aside from protection against changes in temperature and humidity, an artwork’s packaging should primarily protect it from potential shock. Constant shaking and mechanical vibrations can damage, weaken or destroy the item in transit.

Packaging solutions for smooth transport

Designing an artwork’s packaging is usually bespoke to avoid transport-related risks. That means taking into account what the piece is made from, its height, weight and shipping method.

Safe and effective packaging tends to come in two parts…

Wrap and specific protection

The wrap and protections help safeguard the piece properly in transit. There are several types depending on the item you want to ship: tissue paper, bubble wrap, foam chips, plastic wrap, corner protectors etc.

The wrap is there to fill voids and absorb shock between the piece and the box or crate. What makes this stage even more important is that these protective features are in direct contact with the artwork; that means you have to choose the right protection for the item (i.e. never use bubble wrap around a painting as it may leave permanent marks on it).

Wooden crate

Wooden crates are a reliable packaging solution (albeit expensive) popular in art shipping. Depending on the materials and finishes, wooden crates provide protection from shock, changes in temperature, humidity etc. during long journeys.

Soft pack

Soft packs are an alternative to wooden crates. They provide soft and unique protection, usually in cardboard, but are less expensive than crates. Double or triple wall corrugated cardboard is an equally effective solution, especially in absorbing shock during transit.

Moviiu, specialists in artwork shipping and bespoke packaging

At Moviiu, we’re experts in the art of bespoke packing where you get involved.

Our team of experts use your information to design appropriate solutions (size, shape) to ship your valuable items smoothly (watches, jewellery, small furnishings, classic 2D art and small 3D art). We only work with high-standard protective cardboard (triple wall or honeycomb) suitable for over 80kg loads. We then deliver the packaging to your door with a detailed guide to help you give your piece the utmost protection.

Simple, fast and flexible, our service adapts to suit your budget and transport requirements without sacrificing our signature expertise and experience in the art world.

 

Photo by Paper Textures ; Tania Melnyczuk ; Sébastien Marchand