INFORMATION
Art Transporters’ List and Advice (VAC6)
March 2008
This information sheet includes a list of transport suppliers who operate in Scotland. Approximately half are based in Scotland. They range from art specialists who offer a variety of services and purpose built vehicles to those who are general transporters but have an interest in serving the art market and some experience in doing so. The art market includes; galleries, museums and artists.
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Index
Page
Introduction 1
Other resources 1
Transport suppliers in Scotland 1
Transport suppliers outside 6
Scotland
Useful ideas 9
Additional information 10
12 Manor Place, EdinburghEH3 7DDT 0131 226 6051 F 0131 225 9833 Scottish charity no. sc002835 /
Introduction
The list is an update of original information gathered through a survey carried out by Bonnar Associates, of all Scottish Museums Council members and all Scottish Arts Council clients, including a sample of individual artists. The firms included have all been used satisfactorily by the clients who named them, and these have been included so that you may contact them if you wish. Some other transport firms that have been recommended are not included on this list at their own choice.
Other Resources
Organisations and artists have used a creative range of other means to transport low security well-packaged items. These include: post buses, local
authority library vans (both particularly useful in rural areas), Red Star, and finding extra space on another
organisation's vehicle. By travelling with the work the following have also been used; taxi (a small-scale sculpture exhibition!), and unframed work in tubes or portfolios.
Transport Suppliers in Scotland
Clark and Rose Ltd
Barclayhill Place
Portlethen
Aberdeen, AB12 4LH
T: 01224 782800
F: 01224 782822
E:
W:
Used by:AberdeenArtGallery
Vehicles: HGV, Luton Box, Transit.
Vehicle Features: Enclosed,Air Suspension, Tail-lift.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Length: 18m. Height: 4.2m.
Width: 2.5m. Maximum Tonnage: 32.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated/Loose Work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Storage in Scotland, Shipping
Other Services: Expert in Wrapping, Packing, Crating, Air Freight.
Specialisms: Fine Art, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine Art, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Fine Art, Decorative Art.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity:
Scotland - Daily, England and Wales - Daily,Elsewhere - Monthly.
Constantine Ltd
Constantine House
North Caldeen Road
Coatbridge, ML5 4EF
T: 01236 750 055
F: 01236 750 077
E:
W:
Used by: National Museum of Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland, Kirkcaldy Museum and Art Gallery, Dundee Contemporary Arts, Aberdeen Art Gallery, Perth Museum, Modern Institute Glasgow, and many other municipal and private galleries.
Vehicles: Over 21 vehicles ranging from small courier mobiles to 40’ step frame articulated units.
Vehicle Features: Air Suspension, Climate Control, Tail Lift, High Security Locks, Alarm Systems, Satellite Tracking.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Length: 4.9m. Height: 3m.
Width: 2.6m. Maximum Tonnage: 40.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Temperature, Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated Work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Storage in Scotland, Shipping, Organising Tours, Customs Documentation.
Other Services: Hanging, Storage of Objects, Installation, Temperature and climate controlled storage.
Specialisms: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes
Frequency of Activity:
Scotland– Daily, England and Wales – Daily,
Elsewhere – Weekly.
John Duncan Removals
International House
Unit 15 HailesPark
Industrial Estate
Dumbryden Drive
Edinburgh, EH142QR
T: 0131 654 1200/1400
F: 0131 654 1006
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Used by: National Trust for Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland, J Hawkins
Vehicles: HGV, Luton Box.
Vehicle Features: Enclosed, Air Suspension, Tail-lift.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Length: 18m. Height: 4.2m.
Width: 2.5m. Maximum Tonnage: 32.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Paintings, Sculpture, Crated/Uncrated, Loose Items.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Storage in Scotland, Shipping, Organising Tours.
Other Services: Export Wrapping and Packing.
Specialisms: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Not specified.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity:
Scotland - Daily, England and Wales - Weekly,
Elsewhere - Weekly.
Martins Removal Services
198 Colinton Road
Edinburgh, EH14 1BP
T: 0131 443 4223
F: 0131 443 1056
M: 07860 813 460
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Used by:KirkcaldyMuseum and ArtGallery, Falkirk District Council, NMS, Edinburgh.
Vehicles: Not specified.
Vehicle Features: Flat Bed/Lift, Enclosed, Low Loader, Air Suspension, Climate Control.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Maximum Tonnage: 9.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Uncrated/Loose Work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Storage in Scotland. Shipping, Organising Tours.
Other Services: Packing of China, Glass, Picture.
Specialisms: Not specified.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity:
Scotland - Daily, England and Wales - Weekly, Elsewhere - Monthly.
React Transport Services
24 West Shore Road
Edinburgh, EH5 1QD
T: 0131 551 5531
F: 0131 551 5528
E:
W:www. react-transport.co.uk
Used by: Matthew Architecture Gallery.
Vehicles: Transit, 7.5 Ton Box, 18 Ton Box
Vehicle Features:Box Vehicle, Curtain Sider and Tail Lift.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Length: 9m. Height: 2.3m.
Width: 2.6m. Maximum Tonnage: 10.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated/Loose Work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Storage in Scotland.
Other Services: Not specified.
Specialisms: Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity:
Scotland - Daily,
England and Wales - Daily,
Elsewhere - Less than Monthly.
Shore Porters Society
1 Baltic Place
Aberdeen, AB11 5EW.
T: 01224 569 569
F: 01224 583 080
E:
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Used by:AberdeenArtGallery, MacRobert Arts Centre, Kirkcaldy Museum & Art Gallery, Cumbernauld and KilsythMuseums.
Vehicles: HGV, 3 Ton Truck, Luton Box, Transit, Hi Ab Crane.
Vehicle Features: Flat Bed and Lift, Enclosed, Air Suspension, Tail Lift.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Length: 15m. Height: 4m.
Width: 8.5m. Maximum Tonnage: 28.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated/Loose Work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Shipping, Organising Tours.
Other Services: Not specified.
Specialisms: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity:Scotland - Daily, England and Wales - Daily, Elsewhere - Weekly.
Transport Suppliers Outside Scotland
C'ART
Unit 7, Brunel Court
Enterprise Drive, off Station Road
Four Ashes
Wolverhampton, WV10 7DF
T: 01902 791797
F: 01902 790687
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Used by: City Art Centre, West Lothian District Council Leisure Services, CCA, NationalMuseums.
Vehicles: HGV, 3 Ton Truck, Luton Box, 1 Ton, 17 Ton truck.
Vehicle Features: Air Suspension, Tail Lift, Temperature Control, Climate Control.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Maximum Tonnage:17 tonne
Capacity to Provide Specified: Art Blankets, Temperature Control, Pallet Truck, Piano Trolley.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated/Loose Work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Shipping, Organising Tours.
Other Services: Hanging and installation of exhibitions and public sculpture. Packing.
Specialisms: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art, Furniture, glass, ceramics.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art, Travelling Frames.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity:Scotland–Fortnightly, England and Wales– Daily/Weekly, Elsewhere - Less than Monthly.
Delivery Services
16 Genoa Street
Belfast, BT12 5BG
T: 02890 315080
F: 02890 310330
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Used by: National Gallery of Scotland.
Vehicles: 2x HGV, 7.5 Ton Truck.
Vehicle Features: Enclosed, Air Suspension, Climate Control, Tail-lift.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Length:11m. Height: 3m.
Width: 1.5m. Maximum Tonnage: 17.5.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Temperature, Humidity, Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated/Loose work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Shipping, Organising Tours.
Other Services: Installation and Hanging.
Specialisms: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Not specified.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity: Scotland - Monthly, England and Wales - Weekly, .
Hedley's Humpers
3 St Leonard’s Road
London, NW10 6SX
T: 0208 965 8733
F: 0208 965 0249
E:
W:www. hedleyshumpers.com
Used by: Artists, Galleries, Auction Houses and Museums Worldwide.
Vehicles: From Luton Vans to Trucks and Trailers.
Lorries: Enclosed, Air Suspension, Tail Lift, Security Locks, Tracking Systems.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Length: 14.2m. Height: 2.48m.
Width: 2.31m.
Maximum Tonnage: 20.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated/Loose Work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Worldwide Shipping.
Other Services: Not specified.
Specialisms: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine Art, Sculpture, Decorative Art.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Heavy Sculpture Casing, MicroClimate Casing, Up to Museum Standards, Travel Frames.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity:
Scotland - Weekly, Wales – Weekly,
England - Daily, EC - Weekly,
New York by Sea – Weekly,
The World by Air – Daily.
Momart
199-205 Richmond Road
London, E8 3NJ
T: 0208 986 3624
F: 0208 533 0122
E:
W:www. momart.co.uk
Used by: National Galleries, PerthMuseums and ArtGalleries, EdinburghCollege of Art, GlasgowMuseums.
Vehicles: Sprinters, 10 Metre Rigid, 18 Metre Truck and Trailer, Arctic.
Lorries: Flat Bed & Lift, Enclosed, Air Suspension, Climate Control, Tail Lift.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle: Length: 18m. Height: 4m. Width: 2.6m.
Maximum Tonnage: 28.
Capacity to Provide Specified:Climate Controlled, Custom Casing, Art Blankets.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated Work.
Additional Services: Competitive Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Shipping, Organising Tours.
Other Services: Hanging and Installation.
Specialisms: Fine and Decorative Art, Sculpture, Complex Installations.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling: Fine and Decorative Art, Sculpture.
Specialist Skills in Crate Making: Fine Art, Sculpture, Industrial Objects, Decorative Art.
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity: Scotland & Europe - Weekly, Elsewhere – Daily.
Wells Cargo
Dock Centre House
2 Store Street
Dublin
T: 00 3531 836 5000
F: 00 3531 836 6562
E:
Used by: Matthew Architecture Gallery.
Vehicles: HGV, 3 Ton Truck, Transit.
Lorries: Enclosed, Air Suspension, Tail Lift.
Capacity of Largest Vehicle:
Length: 13.5m. Height: 3.0m.
Width: 2.5m. Maximum Tonnage: 40.
Capacity to Provide Specified: Not specified.
Capacity for Items: Sculpture, Large/Heavy Items, Uncrated/Loose work.
Additional Services: Transport Insurance, Secure Storage, Shipping.
Other Services: World wide courier division service for small items and service film industry.
Specialisms: Industrial Objects.
Specialist Skills in Packing and Handling:On Request
Specialist Skills in Crate Making:On Request
Capacity for Couriers: Yes.
Frequency of Activity: Scotland, - Daily,
Elsewhere - Daily.
Useful Ideas
Galleries, venues and artists across Scotland were asked to contribute ideas on how they had overcome transport problems. The responses are collated below.
We have used our Local Authority Direct Services transit van, a trailer, and staff cars. (Gordon District Council)
We have used Red Star door to door service/same day for small items, that are non fragile (AberdeenArtGallery)
Exceptionally where space has been available and no diversion necessary, ACGB have carried material from Ayr to London. However this is not available on a regular user basis. There are some excellent general haulage carriers available but many change load between vans on route. Loads are usually taken on a 'shared space' basis. (MacLaurinArtGallery)
For touring exhibitions in Scotland we use our own vehicle or a hire vehicle. We will use TNT or other non-specialist companies if (and only if) the work is robust. (City Art Centre)
Making portable work that rolls onto tubes for transporting as hand luggage in planes. (Leisure Services)
Use of mobile library service. (Sutherland District Council)
If frames can be acquired locally, unframed prints can be posted cheaply using Datapost. If an artist is travelling from abroad, he/she could bring unframed material as hand luggage. (SmithArtGallery)
In the Highland Region we have used the Local Authority mobile library van to collect works for the SSA's Annual Exhibitions from collection points in libraries in Wick, Thurso,
FortWilliam and Portree. (Society of Scottish Artists)
For small-scale exhibitions - use the taxi. (Scottish Sculpture Trust)
I priced up a multi-purpose touring vehicle based on a 7.5 chassis, to include very flexible floor locking point for seating/cases/scenery; provision for stage curtains/sidedrop with extending legs footlights; multiple tying points(1995 prices)
capital expenditure £50k
Revenue - specialist driver handler - £10k
on costs £5k. (Ross and Cromarty Leisure Services)
Magnus the Arts Bus. (Nairn District Council)
Good reliable service in Scotland who are aware of standards used as in European services. (CCA)
The library service regularly takes a van out to the islands and with training in packing, handling, crate making etc, could become a very useful resource for the West of Scotland and other areas. (Argyll and Bute District Council)
Postbus, normal service bus. (An Tuireann Arts Centre)
In the past transport has been existing resources within the Council, e.g. Parks Department, Cleansing Department, and the Sports Minibus and trailer. Apart from moving bits of equipment around all these means are unsuitable for the transport of exhibitions and exhibits. (Annandale and Eskdale District Council)
We have over used the District Council Mobile Van. (Isle of MullMuseum)
Our transport needs are generally fulfilled through Lothian Community Transport Services. (Collective Gallery)
Additional Information
Handling and Packing Works of Art - Francis Pugh - Arts Council of Great Britain, 1978
RICHARD, Mervin, MECKLENBURG, Marion F, and MERRILL, Ross M, eds Art in Transit: Handbook for Packing and Transporting Paintings. Washington, DC, National Gallery of Art, 1991
BRAKE, Steve ed. Circulation and Conservation. Reports from the Leicester Conference on Touring Exhibitions March 1989. Touring Exhibitions Group, 1990 Touring Exhibitions Group Occasional Paper 2
Touring Exhibitions Group
TEG has a national membership of galleries and museums who create touring exhibitions. They also produce ‘X’, a regular publication of new exhibitions available for hire.
T: 020 8691 2660
W:
Contact: Mike Sixsmith
ScottishArts Council - Information Sheets
VAC4- Exhibition Venues in Scotland
VAC5- Sources of Touring Exhibitions
VAC9- Touring Exhibitions DIY Pack
NE4 - Galleries and Touring Exhibitions
(an electronic, bi-monthly
newsletter)
All information sheets are available from the Helpdesk.
Information is provided by the Scottish Arts Council in good faith and accurate at the date of publication. We cannot take responsibility for changes which may subsequently occur.
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