Transporting your artwork

The arts industry is truly global. Theatres, galleries, auction houses, museums and private collectors all import and export works on a regular basis. These pieces are often unique, valuable and irreplaceable. Different countries have different laws for the import and export of goods, making the process more complicated. How do you ensure your work of art arrives at its destination legally and in one piece?

Packing

Unless your work is very small and easy to transport, it makes sense to involve a specialist firm for packing and crating. Artworks and sculpture comes in all shapes and sizes, and is often fragile and easily damaged. The high value and irreplaceable nature of many pieces make it the only option. Industry leading products from ShockDot will help give you peace of mind, and are cost effective in determining whether the product has been mishandled.

Shockdot determine if products are mishandled

Handling

You want your work to arrive at its destination in the best condition possible - and efficient handling and packaging can make a world of difference to how the receiver views a piece.  Consider transporting the work with air (not spring) suspension, to minimize movement of any sculptures being transported by road or in a container.

Customs

Some cultural goods over a certain age and value require a licence from the Export License from the Arts Council. Your shipping company should be able to give you advice on this.

Insurance

Marine cargo and transport insurance is essential for your work, to cover any accidental damage along the way. Go for an experienced broker. Read the government guidelines on this topic.

Personal advice

A specialist shipping company should offer a tailored freight forwarding service, which is unique to the client and the items being transported. This is one of the key services for all our clients - offering peace of mind and expert advice.

For more information on T.Ward's art transportation service, contact us or visit our art transportation page.