The World of a Fine Art Shipper
Our Expert Training Programme
Our team work on a variety of interesting projects throughout the year. Our training ensures we provide the best quality service when handling your artwork.
Picture Hanging Workshop
Picture hanging for museums requires a high level of knowledge, expertise and teamwork. There are hundreds of hardware possibilities, and it is the technician’s role to determine the best possible method of installation. This can differ greatly depending on many factors including: the condition, weight and structure of each artwork, budget, number of technicians on site, the structural make-up of the building and whether there are existing fixtures that can be suitably re-purposed from a previous hang.
One of the greatest challenges of this process is with listed buildings, which often have very specific instruction to how works can be displayed. In the case of a listed building, it is not uncommon for bespoke fittings to be required to ensure a project is completed on time. In addition, the experienced team must always be precise to the millimetre when hanging the artwork, so complex arrangements of paintings can be a time consuming, but rewarding task.
Handling, Packing and Conservation
For this introduction to packing, new team members are shown a variety of techniques in handling and packing, with a mind to artwork conservation. As a bench-top exercise, they are taught how to safely remove a canvas from the stretcher and to carefully package an unsupported canvas on a roller, ready for shipping. During the training, the participants also learn how to re-stretch a canvas onto a stretcher, which develops their understanding of the primary make-up of this familiar type of art object. The materials used to line the crates are also explored, and the various properties of materials highlighted with great attention to the procedures of safely packing and securing each type of object.
The British Museum International Training Programme
Every year for six weeks, the British Museum runs a training Programme for museum and heritage professionals from around the world. The aim is to develop skills, increase knowledge and build a global network of communication between participants.
This year, twelve delegates visiting from Mexico, Rwanda, China, India, Nepal, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Lebanon and Guatemala will experience a day of training activities. They will be given an inclusive look at the operations behind our organisation, with focus on airport training in the Airline Cargo Warehouse, followed by a tour of our packing warehouses and a presentation on risk management in art handling.
We are constantly updating an evolving our training to ensure staff and clients receive the latest information and developments in our industry.
To find out more about our training please get in touch: [email protected]
Technical Training Department
It is vital our team have a comprehensive understanding of each element of a transport project, which is why training is regularly provided our premises by our Technical Training Manager, Ben Sparkes. It enables both our office and technical team to deliver expert information and advice to existing and prospective clients.
In this feature we will also explore external training days and how our insightful courier talks and student workshops increase awareness of the skill and expertise required to pack, transport and install historic and contemporary works of art.
So let’s begin…
Basics of Couriering Induction
Having a sub-office near Glasgow, we have developed a good relationship with museums and art institutions in Scotland. As part of a regular educational program at The National Museum of Scotland, our airport representatives conduct a ‘Basics of Couriering’ workshop twice a year for museum professionals.
Couriers are often required to travel with our driver/technicians when objects are transported between venues for short and long-term loans. This comprehensive workshop was created two years ago for participants wanting to develop their practical skills, knowledge and understanding of the courier process.
Airport Protocols
When it comes to Airport training, our experts hold regular practical exercises to ensure our team and our clients have a complete understanding of the palletisation and air side loading procedures.
In the Airline Cargo Warehouse, delegates learn about best practice for securing a crate on a pallet or in a Unit Loading Devise (ULD), the importance of accuracy when completing the airfreight documents and the different types of security screening that can be performed.
It is also of great importance that the airport representative provides a safe and rewarding experience for the courier. The client must be 100% confident with how the crates have been palletised and loaded.