Transporting framed artwork

[CalicoFraming]

I've got about 30 framed pictures to deliver to an exhibition in the family car. Not only is it just a family car, the back seats don't fold flat. Any thoughts on the best way for me to tackle this?

Thanks
Calico

[stcstc]

carefully!!

well depends how big they are etc


20*16 for example you could just stack standing up in the back seats and strap them in using seatbelts

or hire a van, or pay for a minibus taxi maybe

[Tudor Rose]

As stcstc says, do it carefully and measure/plan it as best you can beforehand

Of course it depends on the size of the pictures but plenty of packing around them and wedge them/support them as best as you can and most important if you are using the family car make sure it is covered for business use otherwise if you have a problem or you get stopped for any reason your insurance won't be valid

[Graysalchemy]

Hire a small van and strap them in against the bulk head. Blankets are also very helpful, and if you wrap using bubble wrap and handy wrap cellophane they tend to stick together.

As said above you will invalidate your insurance by using it for business unless you insurance covers business use. It often crops up on cop shows on tv when someone with a sandwich business is stopped by police and ends up being done for not having valid insurance.

[Tudor Rose]

The insurance subject can catch a lot of people out - I was sorting out insurance on a second vehicle earlier this month and only wanted to cover it for commuting as well as social, domestic and pleasure. They queried this as we run our own business because even if we use it to go to the accountants, or drop a picture off to someone on the way home, that would count as business use and our insurance would be invalid. Insurance companies are getting tighter on policing this apparently - and trips to trade shows (ie Spring Fair) count too! Of course they recommend taking out a busines use cover "just in case" for an extra fee of course, but it shows how easy it would be to get caught out by it.

[CalicoFraming]

Thanks for the info on insurance cover - hadn't even crossed my mind. Will have to enquire.

Calico

[huntvambo]

Today I sent 15 framed (with Artglass AR glass) photo's from Alvechurch to Glasgow for the Alex Harvey exhibition at the People's Palace on the 4th Feb.

They were all wrapped individually in bubble wrap and then packed into a double cardboard box (48cm x 48cm x68 and 25kg), the box cost £5.99 from Staples, the transport a bargain at £27:00 for collection today, delivery tomorrow by DHL.

I'm just waiting, with my heart in my mouth, to hear they've arrived safely

So if you're around Glasgow on the 4th / 5th Feb. join us at the Peoples Palace to celebrate the life of Alex Harvey of the Sensational Alex Harvey Band. This will be the 30th anniversary of the premature death of Alex, the Godfather of Punk and an inspriration to many of the top rock bands of the past 30 years.

Sorry, I digress

[prospero]

I have shifted a lot of picture in my time. A few tips....

Try and load them vertically. If you stack them on on top of the other there is a lot of weight on the bottom one.

If they are not wrapped, don't put card dividers in between to stop them rubbing together. Card will rub the finish off as they jiggle about.

DO wrap them individually in bubblewrap.

Save old drapes and cushions to pack around them.

Don't underestimate inertia. If they are on the back seat, throw a drape over them and knot the seat belts together in the middle. Even gentle braking can cause the whole lot to shift. Sudden braking with a loose load could be catastrophic on may levels.

[CalicoFraming]

Phew! Job done and without incident. Thanks for the tips though, very sensible and reassuring to hear the voice of experience as always.

thanks again
Calico

[huntvambo]

My 15 frames were safely delivered by DHL, must admit I was impressed with their service. Collected from mine at about 13:30 on the Thursday and were delivered to Glasgow by 15:00 the following day and all for only £25:00