Fine Art Prints

Identify whether your prints are framed, mounted, loose or already…

The format of a print matters to the transport enquiry. Tell us whether each work is framed, mounted, loose in a portfolio or already packaged by a gallery. Supply dimensions and photographs showing the complete presentation, including any glazing and frame. If several prints share a case or package, identify the contents and who prepared it. A count of prints alone does not describe the physical load or the preparation that remains to be assessed.

Keep titles or inventory references consistent throughout the enquiry. For editions or similar-looking works, use a reference that distinguishes the actual piece without relying only on a subject description. Note any associated documentation that the owner will retain separately. If a gallery or seller is releasing the prints, provide the collection reference and the contact authorised to confirm which works belong in the consignment.

Explain known condition concerns and any instructions from a framer or conservator. Do not remove a print from its mount, frame or existing protective arrangement simply to obtain additional photographs. Ask the appropriate specialist what information can be supplied safely. The transport assessment should be based on the work as it will be presented, with any necessary preparation assigned to someone qualified to advise on that particular object.

State whether the prints are part of a household move, a purchase collection or a delivery to a display venue. Each situation can involve different release and receiving arrangements. Explain if the owner will be absent at either end and nominate the person authorised to give instructions. This helps the quotation describe a complete physical movement rather than only a journey between two postcodes.

Agree packaging without changing the artwork's presentation casually

Ask what preparation can be assessed for the prints in their current form. A framed work, a portfolio and a seller-prepared package should not be treated as interchangeable just because they contain paper. Provide any existing packing specification and explain whether specialist input has already been obtained. Avoid improvising a change from flat to rolled storage, removing glazing or altering mounts merely to reduce the apparent transport size; those are questions for an appropriate adviser.

If a gallery, framer or specialist is preparing the consignment, confirm when it will be ready and obtain the final package dimensions. The external size and number of packages should reach the removal enquiry before collection is booked. Tell us whether the packaging is intended to remain with the owner or be returned separately. Any additional collection or return of reusable cases should be described as part of the agreed service.

For multiple destinations, group the inventory by receiving address and identify which packages belong to each stop. A collection of prints going to separate family members, offices or venues needs more than one general label. Explain the appointment requirements at every location and name the receiving contacts. The load and route can then be assessed together, including any storage between the initial collection and the final deliveries.

Keep a condition record appropriate to the handover and distinguish known concerns from transport instructions. Photographs and notes can support identification, but they do not provide an appraisal or replace specialist conservation advice. Ask what records National Removals will use under the agreed service and share any additional requirements before the appointment. This makes the documentation practical for the people actually releasing and receiving the prepared works.

Prepare a receiving area and separate delivery from display…

Provide access information for the packed consignment at both properties. Include stairs, lifts, corridor turns and the proposed loading position. Larger framed prints may need an individual route assessment even when the total number of items is small. Explain whether a building manager controls access and whether an appointment or lift reservation is required. The route should reflect the actual delivery circumstances, including any other work happening in the receiving space.

Decide where the prints will be accepted and who will check the inventory. If they are going to a venue or office for display, identify who is responsible for unpacking, hanging or specialist installation. Those tasks should be separately agreed rather than assumed to be part of transport. Give the receiving person the same references used at collection so they can identify each work without opening packages simply to discover which destination they belong to.

If the receiving walls or rooms are not ready, explain the interim arrangement before booking delivery. Ask about storage only after providing any conditions specified by the owner or adviser. Do not treat an available room or a generic storage service as automatically appropriate for a particular collection. Confirm the duration, access needs and onward delivery plan so the prints have a defined next stage rather than an indefinite temporary position.

Request a quotation that reflects the complete print consignment

The enquiry should include the number of works, their presentation, dimensions, collection and delivery addresses and the preparation already arranged. Add photographs and any relevant specialist instructions. Tell us which dates are fixed and which remain provisional. If a seller's collection deadline is involved, confirm that the works will actually be released and ready within the proposed window before asking the transport service to commit to that appointment.

Discuss value information and applicable service terms before accepting the proposal. If another party owns the prints or your insurer has specified conditions, share those requirements so the proposed arrangement can be assessed against them. A print's edition number or purchase receipt may help the owner identify it, but those details do not by themselves establish cover or a particular level of service. Ask for the accepted scope and responsibilities in writing.

Keep the final inventory current if the collection changes. An additional frame, a changed address or a request to hold the works can affect more than the transport distance. Send the revision to the named booking contact and obtain confirmation where needed. At completion, check the agreed handover against the inventory and retain the records with the owner's documents. This gives the print move a clear beginning, receiving stage and finish.