The Art of White Glove Handling

White Glove Handling

Fine art logistics is a delicate and demanding practice – no detail is ever too small when it comes to protecting valuable pieces of art.

At Momentous, we recognise that every painting, sculpture and installation piece encompasses more than an arbitrary figure of monetary value. We know that every art piece contains cultural significance and means something to everyone, whether it’s a timeless painting, customised statue or historical artefact passed down from generations.

White glove handling service is designed to preserve and protect pieces above all else, providing complete reassurance and peace of mind to those in possession and ownership of timeless and high-value works. Such services involves a special approach that logistics providers ensure every piece of artwork, particularly the most prestigious and precious, arrives at its destination in pristine condition.

What Is White Glove Art Handling?

White glove handling for art is a professional and tailored service that involves more than simply moving pieces from one place to another.

Typically, a white glove art handler will entail:

• An informed and individual assessment of each piece’s requirements and condition
• Custom, high-quality packing solutions that preserve quality condition.
• Suitable transportation conditions to prevent damage (such as climate-controlled vehicles)
• Professional on-site handling, movement and installation at the new destination, along with any protective measures
• Comprehensive documentation and condition reporting

White glove service is designed to preserve and protect pieces above all else, providing complete reassurance and peace of mind to those in possession and ownership of timeless and high-value works.

What is Involved With White Glove Handling?

Professional white glove handling services involve special packing materials and protection techniques. At Momentous, we understand and appreciate the science of preserving museum-quality pieces. This is why we deploy techniques that are designed to minimise risk and preserve value before, during, and after transit.

These techniques include (but are not limited to):

• Minimal contact handling to reduce the transfer of unwanted contaminants
• Support structures for fragile or misshapen pieces
• Appropriate humidity and temperature monitoring controls during transit
• Vibration-dampening systems in vehicles
• Specialist lifting procedures to support artwork composition and weight
• Specialised materials used for each piece as required, such as made to measure crates, acid-free tissue, glassine, bubble wrap/ foam, silica gel packets, microclimate boxes

Why choose Momentous?

At Momentous, our fine artwork logistics team works with leading galleries, museums, and discerning private collectors throughout the UK and abroad. We are proud to have cultivated a flawless track record in delivering professional fine art logistics services while respecting the requirements of each client and collection.

• Value preservation: Fine art is often a tremendous investment. The professional measures deployed by white glove handlers ensure that a piece’s value is kept intact, preventing contamination or damage that could devalue it exponentially. Even the slightest scratch or prolonged exposure to humid conditions can alter a piece’s market value.
• Reassurance: Entrusting irreplaceable or one-of-a-kind works to Momentous for handling and protection will provide complete peace of mind. We offer comprehensive insurance coverage and transport documentation that will assure you of every step we take when moving your belongings.
• Post-transit installations: Our white glove handling experts are also adept and proficient in proper hanging techniques, lighting, positioning and more, to ensure your piece remains in the best possible condition and presentation position for the long run.

Whether coordinating a travelling exhibition, relocating a private display, or installing premium commissioned works or timeless historical pieces, we can help.

Our art logistics experts will always conduct a thorough on-site assessment and develop bespoke handling strategies and pricing for each piece. However complex or intricate your request, we maintain the highest standards and spare no attention to detail from minute one.

If you’re exploring professional art logistics and want to find out more about how we can provide you with complete reassurance and instil confidence in us, contact Momentous today for a free, no-obligation quote.