The role of museums and gallery curators, art dealers, and collectors in art preservation is more or less clear to the general public. However, one party often gets overlooked — professional art handling service providers. Art logistics companies are incredibly important members of the current art world, especially now when the art market is more fluid than ever, and the distance between works of art and their admirers is no longer an obstacle. So, what exactly do art handlers do?
How professional art handling companies help preserve artwork
First and foremost, professional art handling services are a necessity when transporting museum-level valuables like pieces by world-renowned masters and ancient antiquities. The only way people from all over the world get to see amazing works of art in person is by museums and galleries connecting to their colleagues and arranging exhibitions. Entire collections might need to be shipped across the globe, and this is not something that can be done without expert help.
Professional art handlers are people who know how to take care of fragile objects that have a high cultural or monetary value. They have an array of skills that allow them to safely transport, pack, store, and install priceless masterpieces. Without professional art handling services, each trip would resolve in a catastrophe, with precious pieces breaking, tearing, or otherwise getting harmed.
Apart from damage during transportation, there are other issues that art logistics companies know how to resolve. Consider how artwork is stored in institutions and storage facilities. Without proper climate control and equipment, no valuables will survive for long. Most vintage or antique pieces are extremely fragile and require special conditions. Art handlers take care of the maintenance of art and antique pieces, ensuring that they do not get infected with mold, crack from temperature fluctuations, or fade due to light exposure.
It is clear that if institutions and private collectors want to preserve their collections for centuries to come, they must invest in a reliable and experienced art handling company. If you are looking for one yourself, there are plenty of resources available online, which can guide you in the right direction and help you make the right decision. Choosing an art handler is nothing to be taken lightly, so you have to make sure you do a fair amount of research before signing any contracts.