It’s not a secret that art installation projects differ in size and scale, with sculpture installation being probably the most complex one. It may turn into a real challenge, especially when it comes to large outdoor sculptures. Let’s take a look at the practical side of the installation of an art sculpture made of marble.
Marble as a Source of Added Risk
Marble is a noble material from which many antique and contemporary sculptures are made. It is firmly associated with classical permanence and refined aesthetics, but on a practical level, it’s a very demanding and fragile material. That’s why both artists working with marble and art handlers moving and installing marble sculptures have to treat such artworks delicately and with attention to detail.
Marble Sculpture Installation Algorithm
The initial stage of marble sculpture installation is the site’s assessment. Marble is notorious for extreme weight and natural variability, which makes a precise structural analysis a must. Engineers should perform a competent evaluation of the sculpture’s load paths, stress tolerances, and vulnerability points to make sure that it is properly reinforced.
Next comes the foundation design. If the artwork doesn’t come with a base attached to it, the installation of an art sculpture necessarily includes the stage of subsurface conditions’ evaluation. Wherever the artwork is placed, the installation team should understand the floor’s load capacity. Besides, for outdoor sculpture foundations, they sometimes need to excavate the ground and immerse the foundation in it, so the available excavation depth also matters in the installation process.
Sculpture transportation also comes with challenges, especially if the artwork is heavy and large. Moving marble sculptures in urban settings requires detailed route planning, traffic coordination, and the use of specialized equipment like cranes. Even minor errors can cause irreparable damage or delays, so the delivery stage should be perfectly orchestrated.
Notably, the sculpture’s installation doesn’t end at the moment of mounting the artwork onto its foundation. After that moment, the process of long-term preservation starts, with regular measures taken to shield marble from environmental factors.
Entrust the Installation of an Art Sculpture to Professionals
Risk reduction is key in the process of sculpture installation. If you want tried and tested solutions that come with zero safety hazards, Fine Art Shippers is a reliable partner to complete this project with. We have extensive experience in moving different types of sculptures and guarantee full compliance with industry standards and bulletproof security for your art assets.