Packing and Shipping Cultural Property

Module Synopsis

This module provides an awareness of important issues to consider when crating fragile works of art. It begins with a practical overview of shipping hazards and the susceptibility of artwork to these hazards. Packaging concepts and theory are taught with presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on activities. Participants have an opportunity to apply their knowledge by designing a protective package for several highly fragile test items and conducting drop tests on their designs. Test results provide examples of packaging principles in action and ways that damage can take place. Participants are encouraged to bring objects for discussion and to share their questions, concerns, or experiences in packaging and exhibitions.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, participants will be able to:

• estimate the intensity of shipping hazards, as well as when and where they occur
• evaluate the risk that shipping hazards pose to museum objects
• understand how damage occurs
• reduce the susceptibility of museum artifacts to shipping hazards
• understand shock and vibration concepts and how they apply to protective packaging
• choose the best cushion materials for a given packaging requirement
• gain familiarity with cushioning and crate design information and tools
• identify important features of a protective package
• duplicate the packaging system used to transport and test objects during the workshop
• design better packages for highly fragile or valuable objects

Units

• Shipping hazards
• How things go wrong during shipment
• Susceptibility of art objects to shipping hazards
• How to deal with complex object shapes and fragile surfaces
• Cushion design
• Environmental control during shipment
• Crating: design alternatives and performance criteria
• International regulations for wood packaging materials
• Case studies: an overview of actual package designs
• Shock and vibration monitors
• What makes a good shipper
• Contracts 101
• Package performance evaluation
• Information and resources

Target Audience

Preparators, conservators, registrars, exhibition designers, art transportation firm employees, artists.

Facilitator(s)

Paul Marcon

Language

English, French

Enrollment Limits

Minimum 9; maximum 21

Duration

2 days

Special Requirements

The host institution must provide:

• a lecture hall or small room with a projection screen
• a table for demonstration items in the lecture room
• a work area (can also be in lecture room) with three tables for the packaging exercise with nearby electrical outlets for hot melt glue guns or other tools
• a loading bay or outdoor area with a hard concrete or pavement surface for drop tests and a hanging point capable of supporting a load of about 45 kg (approx. 100 lbs.)
• basic tools (requirements can be discussed, or CCI can supply)
• materials (requirements can be discussed, or CCI can supply)
• access to the venue for one day prior to the course to set up demonstration materials and a package test site