Moving artwork isn’t like moving a sofa. A painting, a sculpture, a fragile object with history and value needs special handling. Galleries know this. Collectors know this. That’s why delivering high value items is a task that can’t be left to chance.
Why Art Needs More Than Standard Delivery
Art can lose value in seconds. A scratch, a dent, or even moisture in the wrong place. Insurance might cover money, but it can’t replace the original. So packaging alone isn’t enough. The journey itself must be planned with care.
A standard courier might throw parcels together in the back of a van. That doesn’t work here. A piece of art might need its own space, strapped and cushioned so nothing shifts. The driver needs to know what they’re carrying, not just treat it as another box.
Planning Routes and Timing
A proper nationwide courier service looks ahead. Routes are chosen to avoid heavy traffic or rough roads. Timing is precise. Galleries work to strict schedules, sometimes with exhibitions launching on fixed dates. If a delivery is late, the event suffers. People come expecting to see certain pieces. A missing one damages reputation.
Tracking adds another layer. The gallery or collector can see where the artwork is in real time. They’re not left guessing. This reduces stress and helps staff prepare for unpacking.
Packaging and Protection
Different artworks need different solutions. Paintings often use acid-free wrapping and padded crates. Sculptures might need wooden frames around them for support. Glass pieces need shock-absorbing foam. It’s not just about preventing knocks, it’s about preventing vibration and movement over miles of driving.
Couriers who handle art know to keep vehicles stable. No sudden braking, no stacking loads. It sounds basic, but mistakes here cost more than money.
The Handover Process
Delivery doesn’t end at the door. Art couriers make sure the piece is handed to the right person, not left at reception. The chain of custody matters. If something is lost or damaged, there’s a clear record of who had it last. That protects both gallery and courier.
Handover might also involve unpacking with the client. Some works need to be checked on arrival. That way, any issues are spotted immediately and recorded.
Larger and More Complex Pieces
Not all art is small. Installations can be huge, awkward, and delicate. Moving them means planning ahead for space in the vehicle, sometimes even specialist lifting gear. A courier who’s done this before knows not to force-fit a piece where it doesn’t belong.
That experience is what galleries look for. Anyone can say they’ll move art, but not everyone knows what happens if you tilt a certain crate or stack the wrong box.
Nationwide Support
Exhibitions often move between cities. London today, Manchester next week, Edinburgh after that. Using the same courier for each stage keeps things consistent. With Drift Couriers locations across the country, galleries know they can rely on one service instead of switching between companies.
That consistency lowers risk. One trusted provider means fewer chances for mistakes in communication.
Respect for the Work
At the core, transporting art is about respect. Respect for the artist who created it, for the buyer who paid for it, for the gallery that displays it. A painting might look like just another package in a crate, but it could represent years of work and millions of pounds. Couriers who treat it that way are the ones galleries trust.
