Fine art shipping is a multi-step process that begins with a thorough evaluation of the objects. Before they are packed and sent, you need to document their state, photograph them, and take notes so that you can easily identify any changes during transportation. So, before you begin art packing, prepare your photographing equipment and get ready for a close examination.
Getting Ready for Art Packing, or What to Do Before Moving Your Art
Photograph Everything
The first step is organizing a large space where you can arrange the objects and set up the photographing equipment and lighting (if you intend to use it). Place the objects against a plain background or on a plain surface (the latter is suitable for small art pieces, such as ceramics or small sculptures). To ensure optimal quality of the pictures, photograph your objects in the daylight, but not under direct sunlight.
When taking pictures, make sure that every part of the object is carefully documented. You may need to take dozens of photos, so be patient and diligent. If you photograph several objects, consider printing off and cutting out filename labels and placing them beside artworks when taking photos. This trick will help you organize the files and will reduce the risk of photographs being linked to the wrong art object.
You don’t have to use professional equipment because modern smartphones normally have cameras that are good enough to take high-resolution photos. However, if you are dealing with very expensive art objects, hiring a professional photographer may be the best solution. Ultimately, the main goal of photographing is to document how the objects look before being packed and shipped.
Document and Note the Condition
Before you move to applying various packing tips, you need to inspect the art piece. Document any existing damage in great detail, as it may be crucial when submitting insurance claims in case something happens during transit. In addition, it’s useful to create a written inventory of all objects before art packing. Record the following details:
- Dimensions
- Artist name and date of creation if known
- Medium
- Insurance value
- Other relevant information
This inventory may prove invaluable in case of insurance claims or disputes with a shipping company regarding the artwork’s condition. In order to minimize the risk of such disputes, the Fine Art Shippers team recommends choosing companies specializing in artwork transportation. They not only ensure the highest level of security during transportation but also can help you with condition check and packing.