Transportation of works of art
Transporting works of art is a complex and sensitive process that requires high precision and skill. Works of art, especially valuable works, are very vulnerable and can be damaged by various factors such as impact, vibration, changes in temperature and humidity, light, and dust. Therefore, the transportation of these works must be done with all the safety and protection points. Join us to review the important points about the transportation of works of art.
The video below shows the transportation of artwork using smart sensors for Caravaggio’s masterpiece Narcissus.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQmJ6HKxYGw
In the video below, you can see how to move Van Gogh’s Starry Night painting
Effective factors in the transportation of works of art
When transporting artwork, there are three main factors to consider:
- Type of artwork: Depending on the type of artwork, there are different ways to transport it. For example, paintings are usually packed in sturdy wooden or plastic boxes and then shipped by plane or truck. Statues should also be carefully packed to avoid damage.
- Environmental conditions: Works of art must be protected from environmental conditions such as changes in temperature, humidity and vibration. For this reason, artwork should be packed in such a way that water, moisture, and dust cannot penetrate the box.
- Cost: Shipping artwork can be expensive. For this reason, you should be aware of the costs before shipping artwork.
Steps of transportation of works of art
The steps for transporting artworks are usually as follows:
Initial review
In the first step, an art appraiser examines the value and condition of the artwork. At this stage, the type and value of the artwork, the desired distance, and the shipping budget are determined.
packing
In the second step, the artwork is packaged using appropriate equipment and materials. Packaging should be done in such a way as to protect the artwork from possible damage.
Transportation
In the third step, the artwork is transported to the desired destination using the selected transportation method. During shipping, the artwork will be accompanied by a professional shipping team.
Discharge
In the fourth step, the artwork is unloaded at the desired destination. At this stage, an art appraiser inspects the artwork to ensure it is intact.
In Iran, various shipping companies provide transportation services for works of art. These companies usually have a high level of experience and skill in transporting works of art.
Methods of transportation of works of art
There are different ways to transport works of art, and choosing the best method depends on various factors, including the type and value of the work of art, the desired distance, and the shipping budget.
Air transport
Air shipping is the fastest and safest method of shipping artwork. In this method, artworks are packed in a special box and placed on the plane. Art packaging boxes are usually made of materials such as wood, foam, and plastic, and have high strength and insulation.
shipping
Sea shipping is the slowest and cheapest method of shipping artwork. In this method, artworks are packed in a special container and placed on a ship. Art packaging containers are usually made of materials such as steel and wood and have high strength and insulation.
Transit
Ground transportation is done by road and rail. Road transport is usually faster than rail transport, which is done by train, but it is also more expensive.
Land shipping is faster than sea shipping and cheaper than air shipping. In this method, artworks are packed in a special truck and transported by a professional driver. Art packing trucks are usually made of materials such as steel and wood and have high strength and insulation.
Artwork packaging
Proper packaging is one of the most important factors in the safe transportation of works of art. Artwork packaging boxes should be made of materials that protect the artwork from impact, moisture, and temperature changes. Also, there should be enough room for the artwork to move inside the box to prevent it from being damaged by possible jolts.
Factors affecting the cost of transporting works of art
Various factors are effective in the cost of transporting works of art, among which the following can be mentioned:
The type and value of the artwork
The type and value of the artwork are one of the most important factors affecting its transportation cost. High-value and sensitive works of art require more special packaging and transportation, which also costs more.
The desired distance
The desired distance is also one of the effective factors in the cost of transporting works of art. The longer the distance, the higher the shipping cost.
Shipping method
The shipping method also affects the cost of shipping artwork. Air shipping is the fastest and safest way to ship artwork, but it also costs more, and sea shipping is the slowest and cheapest way to ship artwork.
climate
The weather condition of the destination country is also one of the options affecting the cost of transporting artworks. If the destination country has unfavorable weather conditions such as extreme heat, extreme cold, or high humidity, the cost of shipping artwork will increase. For example, the cost of transporting a work of art from Tehran to Dubai in summer is more than the cost of transporting it in winter.
Political and economic conditions of the destination country
The political and economic conditions of the destination country also affect the cost of transporting works of art. If the destination country has unstable political conditions or a weak economy, the cost of transporting artworks will increase. For example, the cost of transporting artwork from Tehran to Syria has increased in recent years.
Important points in the transportation of works of art
In the following, we point out some important points in the transportation of works of art:
- Use reputable art shipping companies.
- Before shipping, carefully check the shipping conditions and costs from the shipping company.
- Package your artwork well.
- Avoid exposing the artwork to inappropriate environmental conditions during transport.
- After the artwork reaches its destination, carefully unload it.
By following these tips, you can prevent your artwork from being damaged during shipping.
in the end
Works of art often have a high material and spiritual value and are vulnerable to physical and environmental damage. Therefore, their transportation should be done with the necessary safety and protection measures.
In the end, it should be noted that transporting works of art is an important and vital work that can affect their value and health. Therefore, it is recommended that you entrust the transportation of artworks to a reputable shipping company and pay the utmost attention and care during the packing, shipping and unloading process.
More resources to study
To read more, you can refer to the following articles:
ART IN TRANSIT, Studies in the Transport of Paintings
Transport of Works of Art—Challenges and Opportunities—Case Study
How to move a masterpiece: the secret business of shipping priceless artworks
Art Transportation – Get Your Artworks Around Safely!
