Transporting Art with Care: Attending to Every Detail
The transportation of artworks is a complex challenge where every detail matters to ensure the preservation of unique and valuable pieces. Whether it’s a painting, a sculpture, or a contemporary installation, every artwork requires special handling during transit, as the risk of damage is high if proper precautions aren’t taken. At EnviArte, we understand that art has not only economic but also emotional and cultural value. That’s why we want to share the key steps to guarantee a successful art shipment, paying attention to even the smallest details.
Packaging: The First Line of Defense
One of the most crucial aspects of art transport is the packaging. If the right materials are not chosen or used correctly, the likelihood of damage increases. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Types of Packaging by Artwork:
- Canvases and Paintings: Oil or acrylic paintings, for example, are extremely sensitive to pressure and climate. To prevent the canvas from cracking or the paint from chipping, it is essential to use wooden or reinforced cardboard boxes, with internal protection like polyethylene foam or bubble wrap. In some cases, an internal frame can be created to ensure that the painting’s surface never touches any part of the packaging.
- Sculptures: Sculptures, whether bronze, marble, or more fragile materials like ceramics, should be carefully wrapped with protective blankets or special foams that prevent movement inside the box. At EnviArte, we use custom-made boxes, tailored to the piece’s size and shape, ensuring there’s no room for sudden movements during transport.
- Installations and Multimedia Pieces: Contemporary artworks, such as installations or multimedia art, present an even greater challenge. These pieces often comprise multiple elements and must be disassembled and packed in parts. Special attention must also be given to electronic components, ensuring they are transported under optimal temperature and humidity conditions.
Safest Packaging Materials:
The art transport industry employs various high-quality materials to ensure maximum protection for artworks. Among the most important are:
- Expanded Polystyrene: A versatile material that offers impact protection.
- Custom Wooden Crates: Ideal for transporting large or heavy works, as they are custom-built to the artwork’s exact dimensions.
- Polyurethane Foam: Absorbs impacts and is perfect for delicate pieces.
- Protective Film: Prevents scratches and protects against dust and moisture.
Climate: The Invisible Enemy of Art
One of the most underestimated factors in art transport is climate. Artworks, especially older ones or those made from organic materials, are extremely sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. Here’s how to prevent climate from affecting the pieces’ integrity:
Temperature and Humidity Control:
For canvases and wooden sculptures, temperature fluctuations can cause irreversible damage, such as cracks or material degradation. At EnviArte, we ensure that artworks travel under optimal conditions throughout the transport, thanks to climate control systems in our vehicles. This includes real-time sensors that monitor humidity and temperature levels inside the container or vehicle.
Protection from Sunlight:
Direct sunlight exposure is another factor to consider. UV rays can fade paintings and other materials. For this reason, at EnviArte, we use opaque materials and UV-protected boxes to ensure artworks do not deteriorate during transport or temporary storage.
International vs. Local Transport: Different Challenges, Specific Solutions
Art transport isn’t the same locally and internationally. Each modality has its challenges, requiring specific solutions to guarantee the artwork’s safety.
- Local Transport: For local shipments, transit times are shorter, reducing certain risks like those associated with prolonged travel or customs delays. However, this doesn’t mean a lower level of care can be applied. The packaging must be just as robust, and temperature control should be maintained if necessary.
- International Transport: Shipping an artwork abroad brings additional risks, such as passing through multiple countries, significant climate changes, and complex customs procedures. Having a team specializing in international art logistics is essential here. At EnviArte, we handle not only the physical transport but also all the necessary documentation to prevent artworks from being held in customs.
Additionally, it is crucial to anticipate risks associated with delays or route deviations. For this reason, in international shipments, we always recommend purchasing a specialized insurance policy that covers any incidents that may occur during transit.
Insurance: The Peace of Mind You Need
No art transport should be carried out without adequate insurance. The value of artworks is not only economic; often, they hold incalculable sentimental or cultural value. Therefore, having insurance that covers any potential damage or loss is essential for the peace of mind of both the sender and receiver.
Types of Insurance Available:
- Physical Damage Insurance: Covers any damage the artwork may suffer during handling or transport.
- Theft or Loss Insurance: Protects the artwork in case of theft or loss during transit.
- Climate Insurance: Especially useful for artworks sensitive to temperature or humidity changes. Covers damages caused by unsuitable climate conditions during transport.
Practical Experience: Learning from Common Mistakes
Over the years, we’ve seen cases where small mistakes have caused significant issues in art transport. Here are some of the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:
- Not Considering the Climate: A client transported a series of wooden sculptures to a high-humidity area without climate precautions, resulting in minor swelling. A climate-controlled container would have prevented this issue.
- Inadequate Packaging: A gallery packed a multimedia installation in regular cardboard boxes, resulting in damaged pieces due to movement during transit. Lesson: always use specialized packaging.
- Lack of Documentation: A collector shipped a valuable piece abroad without ensuring all customs documents were in order, leading to weeks of retention at customs. Working with a specialized team that handles all documents avoids such issues.
Conclusion
The transport of artworks demands attention to every detail. From appropriate packaging to anticipating climate conditions, every step must be precisely planned to avoid unpleasant surprises. At EnviArte, our goal is to ensure each artwork reaches its destination in perfect condition, understanding that behind each piece lies an incalculable value. No matter how small or large the detail, every action counts to secure the artwork’s integrity. In the art world, every detail matters.
