ART HANDLING TRAINING - WHY WILLIAM C. HUFF COMPANIES INVESTS IN STAFF TRAINING

By definition, art handling is the boxing, crating, moving and storage of art. The “art” of art handling is learned through art handling training. Art handling training is usually done by an experienced art conservator who has been formally trained in the restoration and conservation of all forms of art, at universities across the world. Canada has more degrees for art conservation than any other country.

At William C Huff White Glove Moving and Storage we understand the need to have staff professionally trained in art handling. Merv Richard, Chief Conservator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. has provided art handling training for our staff. There are four principal areas of art handling training that he focuses on:

1. FLAT ART - This is primarily paintings, manuscripts, prints and flat reliefs. Each type of flat art requires different techniques to prepare for handling, moving and storing. It is important for the staff at William C Huff Companies to know exactly how to prepare and move these types of art pieces.
2. DIMENSIONAL ART – Sculptures are an example of dimensional art. Crating dimensional art requires a very special skill set. Weight, height and the materials used in sculptures all play a part in determining how to prep for handling, moving and storing. The staff at William C Huff have extensive training in how to handle dimensional artworks.
3. FLOATING ART – Another form of art which requires art handling training is floating art. This is art that is suspended, such as a chandelier or mobile. These pieces must be suspended in their crate and multiple stabilizers used to keep the various pieces from movement while be handled. Special acid free tissue wrap can be used to hold delicate pieces in place without damaging their finish.
4. MASTERPIECE - Masterpiece art is an artwork that has been done by a “master” artist. These artists’ works are so sought after that most are in museums. Their values (if someone were to buy them) are in the tens of millions of dollars. The protocols for handling these pieces are beyond the standard art handling protocols. For example, the crated piece must not be carried by hand, it must be wheeled on a specialized dolly. All attempts to eliminate a sudden drop or bump must be utilized in order to ensure the piece is not damaged.

The William C Huff White Glove Moving and Storage Company has had professional art handling training for its staff for several years. With confidence, we can safely move all forms of valuable art for our clients. The company also has invested in dedicated climate controlled, air-ride transportation for art which needs to have extra special art handling and care.