Art Relocation: Your Questions, Answered

Yes, we provide a white-glove service for all artwork leaving South Africa. Our team packs paintings and sculptures to gallery standards, ensuring the highest level of care. Each piece is securely housed in a custom-built, foam-lined crate designed to maintain temperature stability and provide maximum protection. Paintings always travel upright unless otherwise specified, preserving their integrity throughout transit.

We require a commercial invoice detailing the artwork’s description and value. Our team will handle the air waybill (AWB), flight bookings, and customs clearance to ensure a seamless shipping process. Each type of shipment—whether a permanent or temporary export—requires specific documentation, allowing Elliott to facilitate the correct customs procedures.

You can reach out to Lorette Gerber from the Elliott International Fine Art Division for assistance. Alternatively, you can request a quote via our online form.

You can reach out to Lorette Gerber from the Elliott International Fine Art Division for assistance. Alternatively, you can request a quote via our online form.

You can start by contacting our Fine Art Division; one of our specialists will contact you to discuss your requirements.

Always choose a moving company with the right accreditations. As the only ICEFAT-accredited art relocation company in Africa, Elliott International is your trusted first choice.

Each artwork is packed according to its specific requirements, ensuring optimal protection based on its medium, size, and fragility.

Artwork is carefully packed using acid-free tissue paper, white paper, aerothene, polychip foam, flat sheeting, and timber to ensure maximum protection.

Yes, every artwork is unique, and each piece requires specialised packaging to ensure its safety during transit.

Yes, Elliott can provide climate-controlled packaging if required.

Each piece is carefully wrapped and secured in a lined crate to prevent vibrations and ensure safe transit.

Elliott utilises air-suspension vehicles to ensure the safe transport of artwork. These vehicles are also equipped with a tail lift for handling heavier pieces with ease.

The key difference between local and international art transportation is the mode of transport—whether by road, sea, or air. Regardless of the destination, every piece is packed with the same care to ensure it arrives safely and fully protected.

A thorough survey is required to determine the weight of a heavy sculpture and the necessary equipment for lifting it. While our vehicles are equipped with tail lifts for loading, some situations may require additional support, such as cranes or side-lifter vehicles. This is especially important when sculptures are in difficult locations or too large for direct loading, requiring careful planning to ensure safe and efficient transport.

Yes, Elliott offers temporary storage in our art storage facility as part of the moving process.

While Elliott International takes every precaution to ensure the safety of your artwork, unforeseen circumstances can still arise. To provide added peace of mind, we offer Transit Insurance Cover for art pieces, offering extra protection throughout the journey.

This depends on the exhibitor’s requirements. Elliott provides comprehensive services, including secure packing, transportation, customs clearance, and delivery of exhibition pieces from Africa to any destination worldwide.

The tracking process depends on the mode of transport. For airfreight, we provide the AWB number and flight details, while for sea freight, we supply the container number, vessel number, and Bill of Lading. These can be tracked on the respective airline or shipping line’s website for real-time updates.

This depends on your preference. Elliott International offers insurance coverage for art pieces, but some galleries and exhibitors may choose to use their own specialised insurance.

We can provide guidance; however, we are not accredited FSPs and cannot advise on artwork values. If you wish to use Elliott International’s insurance, a valuation certificate will be required.

The required documentation depends on the purpose of your shipment, as each type—whether a permanent or temporary export—has specific requirements. Our specialists will guide you through the process, ensuring you have the correct documents for Customs approval.

Yes, we can. This is an additional service beyond our standard offerings, but we can arrange assistance through our accredited service partners if needed.

If needed, our accredited service partner at the destination can professionally unpack your art pieces and handle debris removal.

Yes, we can. This is an additional service that can be arranged through Elliott internationally or directly with our accredited service partner assigned to your shipment at the destination.

Yes, we can. However, the client’s needs and requirements must be clearly communicated to us or our accredited service partner.

Each piece must be assessed beforehand to determine the appropriate specialised packing needed for safe transport.

Unfortunately, no. Each gallery, museum, and artist typically has their own preferred restorer. However, Elliott International does offer insurance coverage.

Elliott will coordinate with the agent to discuss this before the shipment takes place.

Yes, we can. However, this service typically comes at a higher cost, as last-minute flights and vessel space are limited and more expensive.