Many art collectors travel the world to get their hands on fine art. They may secure their favorite pieces thousands of miles away from home. Fine art can range from heavy statutes to extensively large canvases, so it can be tricky to arrange an affordable way to get them back home safely. If you need to travel with fine art after purchasing some at an art show or from a collector, you’ll want to know the best tips and practices to get you and your artwork home in one piece.
Use Shipping Services
The best way to get your fine art pieces back home is to utilize a private shipping or courier service. They are highly experienced with transporting luxury goods, particularly fragile or bulky items like fine art. They can even help you package it safely if necessary. The first step is to locate shipping services in your area. If there are shippers that specialize in fine art, they are your best bet. Compare prices and insurance options for each shipper to make a more informed decision.
Package Art Carefully
As you already know, fine art is fragile. It can be easily broken or ruined when exposed to rough travel, extreme temperatures, or other common travel issues. You or your shipping service need to know how to pack it with caution and avoid excessive heat or cold. Custom crates are a solid option to ensure your fine art fits well, especially when you’re transporting asymmetrical shapes like statutes. Acid-free paper can help protect art without exposing it to acidic compounds that can deteriorate art. Other packing methods like foam core or bubble wrap can also help safeguard artwork, particularly fragile frames and glass. You can travel as safely as possible and still harm your art if it isn’t properly packaged.
Travel with Caution
There are many ways that travel can harm your artwork. Rough driving, exposure to moisture, poor air quality, and extreme temperatures are all some of the ways artwork can deteriorate on the road. Whatever method you choose to transport your fine art, make sure it is well-packed and you drive gently. If traveling by air, ensure you can maintain a favorable temperature inside the packaging. Avoid accidents as much as possible and take advantage of art transit insurance to recover costs in emergencies.
Familiarize Travel Rules and Regulations
There may be some methods of transportation that do not allow objects of high weights or values. Before utilizing any transportation method, you’ll want to check with local rules and regulations regarding bulk items for travel, especially for larger pieces of artwork. You may want to adjust your travel methods if large artwork isn’t allowed. Public transit, airlines, or trains may all have different rules regarding fine art travel, depending on location and the artwork itself.
Chicago
Chicago is the most populated city in the Midwest. It’s a cultural hub known for its art museums, fine art collectors, and popular artists. Chicago has a wide variety of travel options, including the infamous O’Hare airport and Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) bus and train services. The CTA doesn’t allow large items that may block passenger entry or exit; if your fine art is particularly large, you may want to arrange for private travel. With public transit, you are also at the mercy of individual train operators and bus drivers for safety, which could damage your artwork should an accident occur. You can always consult a CTA accident lawyer to discuss your options, but it’s best to avoid the risk when traveling with luxury goods.
New York
New York City has countless art auctions, museums, and collections. Residents here also rarely own cars. The extensive Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) efficiently moves most travelers. The MTA mainly consists of its impressive subway system and buses. Like Chicago’s CTA, the MTA limits the size and length of the items you carry. You can accrue fines for blocking exits, taking up extra seats, carrying excessively long items, or otherwise interfering with passenger movement. Public transit isn’t particularly safe or friendly for fine art, especially pieces of larger sizes.
Declare Packages When Necessary
If you’re traveling to another country to collect your artwork, you will need to go through customs to get back home. Customs requires you to declare your goods and belongings so authorities know whether you’re bringing back anything that will cause harm. Be transparent about your artwork and its materials to avoid delays or legal issues. You don’t want your fine art confiscated!
Avoid Stowing in Checked Luggage
Checking luggage on planes or trains can help rid you of bulky items. In most cases, checking luggage is ideal for average-value goods, but you don’t want to check your fine art. Checked baggage can be exposed to theft, mishandling, or other unfavorable conditions. If you must travel with your fine art, you’ll likely want to keep it in sight at all times.
Conclusion
When your fine art arrives at your home, you will want to immediately open it up carefully to inspect it for damage. Consider seeking professional services to check for damages if you’re concerned. You may need to let the art piece adjust in the environment before directly exposing it to new temperatures, depending on how fragile the art and materials are. You can also hire professionals to help you frame, hang, or display your artwork to keep it from getting damaged. It can be stressful to travel with your fine art, but once you arrive home, the trip will be worth it—you have a beautiful piece to display.