Art is vulnerable to many kinds of physical and environmental impacts, so any shipping procedure is a source of multiple risks for artwork. Shipping large artwork is a task with added complexity, given that the art object’s dimensions pose unique challenges to art handlers.
Such art pieces may not fit standard vehicles and may be hard to move inside the building due to the limitations of door and window frames. Thus, the understanding of risks is vital when planning the transportation of extra-size art. Here is a brief intro to the risk assessment of this procedure.
What Risks Are Associated with Shipping Large Artwork?
Here are the main sources of risk you should consider when planning the shipment of a large-size painting or sculpture.
Physical Damage
Most art objects are delicate and fragile, regardless of the material they’re made of. Thus, they endure high risks of damage during handling, as they may be crushed in the process. Art objects, especially large ones, also endure physical damage from vibration and movement in case of improper securing and fixing inside the vehicle.
Environmental Risks
While art is usually stored or displayed in a space with stable environmental conditions, its transportation may involve sudden and sizable fluctuations in temperature and humidity – both potentially dangerous to artwork. Art objects are also highly vulnerable to the impact of UV light, so their UV exposure should be excluded during transportation with the help of comprehensive packaging and UV-protective wrapping.
Financial Risks
Art transportation is always a source of financial risk, as large artwork may be damaged by not fitting the door frame or window size properly. Besides, large-size art is typically heavy, which may result in damage during lifting or unloading from specialized equipment. Theft and loss are also considerable risks in the shipment process, as cases of in-transit theft or freight misplacement are still common in the shipping industry.
Don’t Risk Your Property; Entrust Art Shipping to Pros
Shipping large artwork is not an easy task, and it can hardly be arranged on your own. That’s why it makes sense to turn to professionals with this project, as they can perform a meticulous assessment of the shipped object and perform the whole procedure with minimal risks. Fine Art Shippers has an expert team with many years of experience in shipping art objects of any size and dimensions. You can rely on our knowledge and professionalism to guarantee a safe trip for your artwork.