'Santo Coba' 60 x 40 inches Simon Kirk 2014
'Santo
Coba' was completed recently, and sold quickly to a buyer overseas. It
is from a new larger series of work I have started. The dimensions are
60 x 40 inches, it is on half inch board with a sturdy 2 x 1 inch frame
on the back. It weighs close to 20kg.
My immediate problem was
to find a courier. Most general couriers only take packages up to 1.5
metres - mine was 1.6 metres. Other couriers I found would only
transport packages of this size and weight from business to business. I
eventually found ParcelHero - www.parcelhero.com
The process was standard and straightforward, so far so good! (The
artwork was collected on time and delivered safely and within the
promised timescale. I'll be using ParcelHero again.)
The other
problem was safely transporting the work. I decided the only feasible
option was to make a custom box. I am sure this was also the most cost
effective way too, both in terms of packaging but also insurance. Major
couriers do not officially accept artwork for shipping, due to
mechanical handling and sorting, 'multiple trans-shipment points' on and
off of vehicles etc etc. Anecdotal evidence from artists across the
internet suggests to me that making a claim would be extremely
difficult, so durable solid packing is to avoid any unnecessary damage.
This blog post also serves as some proof the artwork has been packed
properly and securely.
This PDF on damages and claims is extremely useful: CLAIMS FOR DAMAGED WORK: Artist Checklist
This is also a very handy guide: Exporting Your Products - First Learn The Terminology(These
are intended to reduce or remove altogether uncertainties arising from
different interpretation of the rules in different countries. As such
they are regularly incorporated into sales contract worldwide.)
Remember to clarify who is paying “CIF” before shipping (Cost, Insurance and Freight to Named Port of Destination).
Usually
the seller will pay cost, insurance and freight to named port of
destination and the buyer pays the import duty to release the parcel
into the country (this is a percentage of the afore mentioned CIF
expenses).
Check the duty charges here:www.dutycalculator.com
One sheet of hardboard, some more 2 x 1inch wood - total cost of materials less than £20 .
This is the back, it has been glued and pinned. The front will just be pinned.
The inside - the painting will fit in here, with room around the sides for packaging
The corners of the box have been screwed in place for strength
The
surface of the painting was layered with sheets of tissue paper, then
shrink wrapped to help protect the corners. One layer of bubble wrap
should suffice, with extra padding in the corners.
The
box was made a half inch bigger all round the painting, to allow
loosefill foam chips to be added to keep the work away from the sides of
the box and to keep it secure in transport
The
top sheet of hardboard is nailed in place, and secured with heavy duty
tape. It is artwork, so I have labelled it fragile, even though it's a
hefty solid package!
