Shipping and Installation of Large Paintings

To ensure safe and economical transport, larger paintings may be shipped rolled rather than stretched.

All paintings are completed and documented on stretchers in the studio before shipment. For larger works, the canvas may then be carefully removed from the stretcher, rolled, and packed in a protective tube for transport.

Why are some paintings shipped rolled?

Large stretched canvases are expensive to ship and more vulnerable to damage during transit. Shipping the canvas rolled significantly reduces shipping costs while providing a safer method of transport.

This is a common practice for large-scale contemporary paintings and is widely used by artists, galleries, collectors, and institutions worldwide.

What happens when the artwork arrives?

The painting will need to be professionally re-stretched before installation. This is a standard procedure that can be carried out by any experienced framer or art handler.

For larger works, stretcher bars are typically not included with the shipment. Instead, the artwork can be stretched onto a newly made stretcher produced locally according to the specifications provided.

Why are stretcher bars not always included?

For large paintings, shipping stretcher bars can be impractical and costly. In many cases, it is more efficient and economical to have a professional framer build a new stretcher locally.

Unless the stretcher itself is an integral part of the artwork, the painted canvas remains the original artwork, regardless of whether it is mounted on its original stretcher or a newly fabricated one.

Will I need to stretch the artwork myself?

No.

Collectors are not expected to assemble or stretch the artwork themselves. Any professional framing workshop will be familiar with this process and can prepare the painting for display.

Installation Specifications

For paintings shipped rolled, I can provide stretcher specifications and installation guidance when needed. This allows a local framer to recreate an appropriate support structure and prepare the work for display according to the original studio presentation.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding shipping, stretching, framing, or installation, please feel free to get in touch. I am happy to discuss the most suitable solution for your location and the artwork you are interested in.