Shipping art is always a risky project, given the delicacy and vulnerability of art objects and the materials they are made of. Here is a glimpse of how attitudes to art transportation have been evolving in the global art community and how a specialized art shuttle transportation service entered the stage as a safe, sustainable shipping option.
Limits on Art Transportation: ICOM Guidelines
The transportation of artworks has always been a matter of intense debate. For instance, Peter Cannon-Brookes, the President of the International Exhibitions Committee of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), published an article in 1986, which advocated for the reduction of international exhibitions and a complete ban on shipping certain kinds of art. According to him, no work of art made of organic materials can be safely moved from one environment to another without accelerating the decay of its compositional materials.
That’s why ICOM’s guidelines were, for a long time, rather stringent in terms of artwork loans. The organization prohibited loans of panel paintings, unfixed pastels, ancient glasswork, etc. Though the ICOM stance softened with time, the list of art pieces that should be subject to minimal travel is still long. The main advancement in this area that made art more accessible to international audiences is the emergence and development of safe, climate-controlled art transportation.
How Can Specialized Art Shuttle Transportation Service Help?
When it comes to art shipping, the risk is always high due to the change of environmental conditions and the artwork’s exposure to handling and movement. In this case, professional art handlers and well-equipped art shuttles have played a transformative role in the global art logistics market.
What used to be associated with high risks turned into a safe, manageable task due to the use of acid-free, non-adhesive packaging materials, effective cushioning and padding or artwork, and sturdy wooden crate usage for fragile art pieces. Innovations even enable the creation of 3D inserts for artwork, which ensure added stabilization inside the crate and prevent any damage during movement. Crates and art shuttles are insulated and climate-controlled, reducing the impact of environmental changes.
Turn to Fine Art Shippers for Expert Assistance
If you’re looking for a safe and professional art shuttle transportation service, Fine Art Shippers is the best option to choose. We operate fully equipped art shuttles that cruise American cities and states to deliver art from one place to another. Our shuttles are managed by an experienced team of art handlers responsible for every aspect of art logistics. Your collection’s journey is safe with Fine Art Shippers, no matter the destination.