Packing & Crating
Object-specific packing and crating using conservation-appropriate materials.
Start with the object
The right protection depends on what the work will experience.
Packing and crating decisions are shaped by medium, surface, construction, condition, dimensions, weight, value, route, handling environment, climate, destination, and repeat use.
Aiston prepares paintings, sculpture, antiques, mixed media, framed works, dimensional objects, and other artworks for local movement, storage, viewings, exhibitions, fairs, domestic routes, and international shipping.
Object
Surface, structure, frame, glazing, hardware, weight, and sensitivity.
Inner protection
Conservation-minded contact materials, wrapping, separation, and restraint.
Outer system
Soft pack, travel frame, reinforced protection, or custom crate as required.
Route
Vehicle, freight, terminals, handoffs, destination access, unpacking, and return.
Protection methods
Not every move needs the same container.
Soft packing
Selected for suitable works and controlled local movement where route, handling, surface, and destination support it.
- Object-appropriate wrapping
- Corner and surface protection
- Labels and handling notes
Reinforced protection
Used when distance, repeated handling, object construction, or project conditions call for more restraint and support.
- Travel frames or rigid protection
- Internal separation and blocking
- Planned unpacking sequence
Crating
Designed for the specific object and route, including international, fair, exhibition, freight, storage, or repeat-use needs.
- Measured fabrication
- Interior support strategy
- Marking and closure plan
Crate planning factors
Questions that shape construction
Will the work travel by truck, air, sea, or multiple modes?
Each mode introduces different handling, terminal, vibration, climate, orientation, timing, and documentation conditions.
Will the crate be opened, stored, or reused?
Opening sequence, hardware, labels, internal supports, storage footprint, and repeat-use expectations should be addressed before fabrication.
Who will unpack at destination?
Destination agent capability, access, tools, lifting needs, handling notes, and final placement affect the protection and closure plan.
Are carrier or country requirements already known?
Share any broker, carrier, fair, museum, insurer, or destination requirements so they can be reviewed for the specific project.
Before movement
Document, close, label, communicate.
- Review condition and photograph the object as scoped.
- Confirm internal support and orientation.
- Close and label for the planned handling chain.
- Share unpacking and destination notes with the responsible party.
Start with the essentials
Tell us what is moving and what needs to happen next.
Aiston reviews the artwork, locations, access, schedule, and connected services before confirming scope. A quote request is not a booking or an automatic price.