Pickfords undertook fine art logistics and storage work to support the exciting 2019 WellChild Art Auction.
Well Child has been making a difference, providing care for seriously ill children and young people since 1977. The charity funds research and ‘WellChild’ Nurses, who support to children and young people who need long-term care. This support enables children to leave hospital and be cared for at home by loved ones. The patron of the charity is Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex.
Creative director Chris Westbrook carefully curated donations from over 30 of the world’s leading artists, including Anish Kapoor, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, Rankin, Harland Miller and David Yarrow. The artwo
rk was sold at Christie’s Auction House.
Client Requirements
The client required a company to manage the careful packing, transit and storage of 30 pieces of art to support both the pre auction preview and the auction at Christies a week later.
Solution
- Pickfords provided a specialist team to manage this fine art logistical project.
The artworks were collected from multiple studio locations and packed on site.
Packing methodology included the use of Tyvek®. Tyvek is ph neutral and lint free, which ensures condensation can escape and protect the works frome external damage. Tyvek is also smooth which prevents scratching and is soft, tear resistant and breathable.
- Once wrapped, Pickfords packed made-to-measure wooden crates with internal foam inserts for additional protection.
- Once packed, the artworks were stored at Pickfords’ Fire Safe container warehouse in Wembley, London.
- There were 30 collections and deliveries to store, co-ordinated to maximise operational efficiency by Pickfords Resource and Quality Manager in London.
The art was delivered and installed at Christies Auction House in London for the preview.
- Following this event, the artworks were repacked and brought back to store, before returning to Christies for sale
Result
Pickfords managed the safe storage and delivery of these exclusive pieces of art and the auction at Christies went on to raise over £300,000 for the WellChild charity.
Following the auction, Pickfords managed the onward delivery of the artworks to the buyers within the UK and overseas.
Chris Westbrook, Curator and Creative Director for the WellChild Art Auction 2019 said:
“It is always a worry when moving expensive works of Fine Art for exhibition, events and private collectors. Art works need respectful, skilful and professional handling at every stage, which is why we are so grateful to Pickfords for partnering as our logistics sponsor. The team handled every move, every aspect of the lengthy process for our Art exhibition and auction with Christies auctioneers, London, with unparalleled professionalism and understanding of every requirement. This is our second successful event with Pickfords handling logistics and I look forward to partnering again in the future”.