Artwork Packaging
What is it for?
Professional artwork packaging is a preventive conservation service that guarantees your artworks’ safety during their movements. Whether for exhibition loan, move, temporary storage or sale, inadequate packaging can cause irreversible damage that would then require costly conservation. At Atelier CROMA, I consider packaging as a full conservation act, essential to preserve your artistic heritage’s integrity.
This crucial preventive intervention allows to:
Effectively protect against mechanical shocks during transport and handling
Stabilize hygrometric conditions around the artwork during its displacement
Prevent scratches and abrasions of pictorial surface
Avoid support deformations linked to vibrations and position changes
Protect from water infiltrations and brutal climatic variations
Guarantee secure handling by transport teams
Considerably reduce accident risks and associated conservation costs
A particular challenge for contemporary art
My specialization in modern and contemporary art at Atelier CROMA has confronted me with specific challenges of packaging these artworks:
Increased fragility of contemporary creations that tolerate no approximation in their packaging, as slightest alteration would require particularly complex conservation
Large color flat tints particularly vulnerable, any degradation on these uniform surfaces requiring extremely delicate conservation intervention
The artworks destined to be rolled for shipping, requiring rigorous technical approach as rolling them without taking certain specific factors into account can lead to alterations
Partially dry paint layers that, although appearing totally dry, are not entirely and can suffer irreversible surface impressions during inadequate packaging
- Experimental materials (acrylic, resins, plastic materials) that can present particular sensitivities
Unvarnished surfaces, frequent in contemporary art, particularly vulnerable to contacts
Important reliefs of certain contemporary artworks that complicate packaging design
Schedule constraints of temporary exhibitions requiring precise logistical organisation
How I proceed at Atelier CROMA?
As specialized conservator, I apply rigorous methodology for professional packaging:
1. Prior evaluation of specific needs
I begin with detailed analysis:
- Examination of the artwork condition to identify fragility zones
- Taking measurements including frame and possible reliefs
- Evaluation of transport conditions (duration, distance, transport mode)
- Identification of logistical constraints (access, handling, intermediate storage)
- Analysis of specific risks linked to the artwork type and its destination
- Photographic documentation of state before packaging
2. Custom packaging design
I develop adapted solution:
- Calculation of optimal dimensions of transport crate
- Selection of protection materials according to the artwork sensitivities
- Design of wedging system guaranteeing perfect immobilization
- Integration of climatic control devices if necessary
- Planning of accessibility for unpacking operations
- Optimization of total weight to facilitate handling
3. Implementation with professional materials
I exclusively use conservation materials:
- Specialized protection films (polyethylene, Tyvek, acid-free tissue paper)
- Neutral technical foams adapted to different sensitivities
- Conservation quality cardboards and wood free from acidity
4. Documentation and accompaniment
I finalise my service by:
- Detailed unpacking instructions with explanatory diagrams for complex packaging
- Specific handling recommendations for the artwork
- Telephone availability for assistance during transport
My ecological approach to packaging
At Atelier CROMA, my environmental commitment also guides my packaging practices:
Favor recyclable materials and bio-sourced when compatible with conservation
Design reusable packaging for recurrent transports
Optimise package volume to reduce transport carbon impact
Use biodegradable foams when protection permits
Limit single-use packaging thanks to modular systems
Raise awareness to good practices of packaging material recovery
A profitable preventive investment
Professional packaging represents minimal investment compared to potential conservation costs after poorly secured transport. An artwork damaged during transport can require costly interventions and sometimes definitively lose part of its artistic or commercial value.
By calling on my expertise at Atelier CROMA, you invest in your heritage security while benefiting from custom solutions adapted to your artwork’s specificities.
Peace of mind for your traveling artworks
In an increasingly mobile art world, where artworks regularly travel between galleries, museums, fairs and private collections, packaging quality becomes crucial. My professional solutions guarantee that your artworks will arrive at destination in exact state they left your collection.
Professional packaging is assurance that your artistic investment is protected, that your reputation as serious lender is preserved, and that you avoid complications and extra costs linked to transport damage.
Ask a personalised estimate
You must move an artwork for exhibition, move or sale? Don’t hesitate to contact me to discuss your specific packaging needs and obtain personalized estimate that will secure your precious artworks’ journey.