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How UK Galleries Ship Art Internationally Without Damage

How UK Galleries Ship Art Internationally Without Damage

Shipping artwork internationally is a high-stakes process. Between handling, customs checks, temperature changes, vibration, and long transit times, there are countless opportunities for damage. That’s why leading UK galleries rely on specialised packing methods and custom-built art crates to ensure every piece arrives in perfect condition.

This guide breaks down the exact steps UK galleries take to ship artwork overseas safely — and how you can apply the same professional standards to your own shipments.

1. Start With a Condition Check and Documentation

Before a piece leaves the gallery, staff carry out a detailed condition report. This includes:

  • High-resolution photos

  • Notes on existing marks, craquelure, or wear

  • Measurements and materials

This documentation is critical for insurance and helps identify any changes that occur during transit.

Why it matters: You can’t protect what you don’t fully understand. Proper documentation ensures accuracy, accountability, and safer packing choices.

2. Use Archival-Grade Surface Protection

UK galleries never wrap artwork directly in plastic or bubble wrap. Instead, they protect the artwork before adding cushioning.

Typical materials include:

  • Glassine paper (acid-free, moisture-resistant)

  • Acid-free tissue paper

  • Protective corners for canvases

  • Mylar or polyethylene sheeting for moisture layers

This prevents abrasion, paint transfer, or chemical reactions — common issues with improper wrapping.

3. Build a Custom Art Crate for Every Shipment

This is the most important step. High-value artwork is never sent in cardboard boxes for international transport.

Galleries work with specialists like ArtCrates to create custom wooden art crates, engineered to fit each artwork’s exact dimensions.

A professional export-ready art crate includes:

  • ISPM 15-certified heat-treated timber (mandatory for international shipping)

  • Shock-absorbing foam lining

  • Corner and edge protection

  • Moisture barriers

  • A snug internal fit to prevent movement

  • Secure screw-fastened battens for easy opening and re-use

These crates protect against drops, compression, vibration, humidity changes, and temperature fluctuations — the main causes of international shipping damage.

4. Choose Specialist Fine Art Couriers

While some shipments go through standard freight networks, most UK galleries use expert art transport companies such as:

  • Fine Art Shippers

  • Martinspeed

  • Crown Fine Art

  • Momart

These couriers offer:

  • Climate-controlled vehicles

  • Secure storage facilities

  • Trained art handlers

  • Gentle loading methods

  • Real-time tracking

Why it matters: A sturdy crate protects the artwork — but expert handling protects the crate.

5. Comply With International Customs Requirements

Shipping artwork abroad involves paperwork that must be correct to prevent delays or damage.

Galleries prepare:

  • Commercial invoices

  • Export declarations

  • Proof of provenance

  • CITES documentation (for works containing restricted materials like ivory or exotic woods)

  • Packing lists

  • Insurance forms

Custom crates make this process easier, as customs agents can open and reseal them without causing damage.

6. Climate Control & Environmental Considerations

Temperature and humidity changes can warp canvases, crack paint, and damage wood frames.

Galleries mitigate this by:

  • Using climate-controlled transport

  • Adding silica gel packets inside crates

  • Choosing moisture-resistant crate linings

  • Avoiding shipping during extreme seasonal weather when possible

A crate with proper insulation dramatically reduces exposure to harmful conditions.

7. Insurance for International Art Shipping

No gallery ships art abroad without full transit insurance. This covers:

  • Loss

  • Theft

  • Damage

  • Delays

Most insurance companies require professional packaging — another reason why custom crates are the industry standard.

How You Can Apply Gallery-Grade Shipping Standards

Whether you’re an artist, collector, or small studio, you can follow the same steps as the UK’s top galleries.

The key is professional packaging, particularly custom-built crates that eliminate the biggest risks.

Checklist for safe international art shipping:

  • Condition report completed

  • Artwork wrapped in archival materials

  • Moisture barrier applied

  • Custom art crate built

  • Foam cushioning fitted

  • Crate sealed with screws

  • Paperwork completed and attached externally

  • Shipped with a trusted art courier

Follow this workflow, and your artwork arrives exactly as it left — no stress, no surprises, no damage.

Why ArtCrates Is the Trusted Choice for UK Art Shipping Crates

At ArtCrates, we build bespoke art shipping crates for international transport, using the same standards trusted by UK galleries.

Our crates feature:

  • ISPM 15-certified timber

  • Foam-lined interior for shock protection

  • Custom sizing for canvases, framed works, and sculptures

  • Moisture barriers and insulation

  • Secure, reusable designs

Whether you’re shipping to Europe, the US, Asia, or worldwide, we make sure your art travels safely.

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