When it comes to fine art relocation, the task may be endlessly challenging. Things work pretty simply with canvases and regular-sized sculptures. But what about oversized artworks or kinetic installations? How is art moved across distances when it has to be in two places within a very short timeframe? All these issues are the daily routines of professional art movers, and they are resolved by using a fusion of engineering talent, logistic excellence, and attention to art preservation needs. Here are several challenging cases to illustrate the point.
Relocating an Oversized Sculpture
One interesting example of fine art relocation may relate to moving an oversized sculpture from one mansion to another within a historic European town. Narrow streets embellished with centuries-old décor, tight tourist traffic, and technical complexities make this project very hard to execute. However, a professional art moving team can manage the task by modeling the entire relocation route with a millimeter-precise maneuvering strategy, rerouting of foot traffic for a couple of hours reserved for the move, and removal of streetlamps and other décor in a conservation-grade manner.
Moving a Fragile Kinetic Installation
Kinetic mixed-media works are exceptionally fragile during relocation. They have moving parts that are often compiled using delicate linkages, so each part and the structure as a whole require special attention at the packaging and moving stages. If the installation needs to be moved without disassembly, in most cases, art handlers create a custom suspension system inside a custom wooden crate, thus placing it steadily inside the container. Such crates are typically equipped with shock sensors, giving art handlers real-time data about the artwork’s stability. If the installation is disassembled and shipped in parts, its reassembly usually takes place with the artist guiding the process.
A Touring Exhibition
Large museum exhibitions often have a tight schedule, with artwork spending only a couple of weeks in one city or even country and swiftly moving to a new place. In these cases, art handlers work with surgical precision and aerospace timing in both places – the place of departure and the new place of arrival. While one team prepares crates for packing art before it leaves its current place, the other team organizes documentation for art inspection and evaluates the receiving space’s preparedness.
Need Professional Fine Art Relocation Solutions? Fine Art Shippers Can Help
If you want to guarantee synchronized movement of your art across places and its smooth, safe relocation, working with professionals is a must. The Fine Art Shippers team can provide the whole suite of art relocation services, addressing your collection’s specific needs and ensuring timely departures and arrivals.