When one talks about fragile packages, they commonly imagine glassware and antique porcelain. However, this assumption is not entirely true because many other works of art can be fragile, even if they are not made of delicate materials. The underlying differences in art type, structure, and compositional materials determine the degree of fragility. Thus, it’s the priority for art shippers to evaluate whether art entrusted to them is fragile and how it needs to be shipped with a safety guarantee.
What Makes Art Fragile?
Here are several not-so-obvious sources of art fragility that professionals need to know and factor in when planning the shipment of fragile packages.
Material Sensitivity
Some works of art are categorized as sensitive because of the materials they are made of. Oil paintings may look durable at first glance, but their surfaces are vulnerable to cracking if they are exposed to pressure or temperature changes. Old canvases may also grow brittle with time, while any unexpected flex or vibration can warp the stretcher or ruin the solid paint layer.
The same goes for ceramics; items that look solid gradually weaken from micro-fractures that a human eye can’t notice. Mixed-media art comes with even greater fragility because adhesives keeping various parts together may dry out, ruining the structure. Works made of natural materials are also subject to gradual degradation, and conservation-grade fragility precautions should accompany their handling.
Environmental Fragility
Art is fragile not only in regard to physical impact; most artworks endure less noticeable but still pervasive environmental impact from the surrounding environment. Humidity affects all kinds of works, causing risks of mold growth, while UV light exposure is ruinous for the pigment. Temperature shocks are another source of fragility, with many works of art developing micro-fractures and structural instability as a result of such effects.
Structural Weak Points
Even sculptures and mixed-media art that look sturdy on the outside can have structural weak points that make them extremely fragile. Some examples include sculptures with numerous appendages, such as extended arms or thin supports. Contemporary non-conventional artwork is often fragile as well because of the frequent use of delicate internal armatures and lightweight supports for the sake of a more impressive aesthetic effect.
How Do Professionals Handle Fragile Packages?
Not all artwork is fragile by default, but even art objects that look sturdy and durable can turn out to be highly vulnerable. That’s why the expertise of art shippers lies in the accurate evaluation of art fragility and the design of appropriate packaging for its safe transportation. If you’re not sure how fragile your art is, secure it from accidental damage by turning to Fine Art Shippers for an expert assessment.