How I Pack and Ship My Modern Metal Art
How I Pack and Ship My Modern Metal Art (And Why It’s Practically Bombproof)
Let’s get real — if you’re investing in a handcrafted metal wall sculpture, an oversized statement clock, or an abstract art piece that spans the width of your sofa... the last thing you want is to worry about it arriving in bits. You didn’t buy a jigsaw puzzle.
That’s why I treat the packaging process of my metal art as seriously as I treat the making of it. Because, for me, the journey doesn’t end in the studio. It ends when your new artwork is on the wall, looking stunning — not stranded at customs with a bent corner.
In this post, I’ll take you behind the scenes of how I professionally pack, protect and ship everything from luxury-sized wall sculptures to delicately designed pieces. Whether you're a collector in Cornwall, a designer in Dubai, or a homeowner in Houston — this one's for you.
1. It Starts With an Artist Who's Been in Fabrication for 25+ Years
I’m not just an artist. I was an engineer and fabricator long before I ever brushed to brushed aluminium. That means I understand structure. I understand pressure points. I understand how things bend, break, or better yet — don’t.
So when it came time to ship my first large-scale piece overseas, I didn’t gamble. I designed packaging that would laugh in the face of turbulence, forklifts and overzealous courier drops. We're talking impact-resistant, weatherproof, and designed-to-the-millimetre containers for each piece.
2. Small but Mighty: Safe Packaging for Medium & Standard Wall Art
Let’s start with the basics. If you’ve ordered a single-panel artwork, a square wall sculpture, or a signature-sized luxury clock from Modern Elements Art — it’s likely going into one of my heavy-duty, double-wall cardboard boxes.
But don’t be fooled. These aren’t your bog-standard online shopping boxes.
Each box is:
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Reinforced with double wall cardboard and foam protection.
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Wrapped in giffy foam and/or bubble wrap to protect etched or polished surfaces.
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Fitted with suspension packaging that stops the piece from shifting in transit.
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Labelled clearly for orientation, handling, and fragile alerts.
Think of it like first-class travel — but for art.
🔧 “It’s not just a box — it’s a tailored exoskeleton.”
Most medium pieces ship within the UK and Europe using tracked courier services like UPS, DHL, or Royal Mail Special Delivery. Every parcel is insured, signed for, and comes with tracking from door to door.
3. Sculptures, Sets, and Showstoppers: Shipping the Big Guns
Now we’re talking about the real centrepieces. The kind of art that makes people stop mid-conversation and say, “Where did you get that?”
For these, cardboard won’t cut it. Instead, I hand-build custom wooden crates in the studio — often the day before collection. These crates are engineered specifically for:
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3-piece wall sculpture sets
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Large abstract metal paintings
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Oversized custom clocks
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Bespoke installations for designers and hotels
Here’s what goes into one of my signature wooden crates:
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Plywood casing, reinforced with battens and internal braces.
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Foam sheeting + corner protectors, tailored to the shape of the art.
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Vibration-resistant wrap to reduce any internal movement.
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Moisture barrier layers for long-haul air or sea freight.
✈️ “I’ve shipped to Australia, the US, Qatar, Canada — and even once to a penthouse in Tokyo. Not a single crack, ding, or dent.”
Every crate is built by hand using my fabrication skills. It’s more than protection — it’s a portable vault for art.
4. Hanging Hardware & Installation Tips — Included With Every Order
There’s nothing worse than receiving a gorgeous piece of wall art... and no idea how to get it up safely.
That’s why every parcel from me includes:
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Pre-installed hangers or brackets
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A tailored hanging guide based on the artwork dimensions
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Fixings or plugs suited to typical wall types
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Safety tips to make sure your installation is strong, level, and secure
And yes — I’m always a message away if you need help. Whether it’s a hammer drill question or you're stuck between screws and command strips, I’ve got your back.
5. For International Orders: I Speak Fluent Customs
Shipping internationally isn’t just about packaging. It’s about paperwork.
I’ve spent years fine-tuning how to:
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Properly declare original artworks and wall sculptures as art, not furniture
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Accurately list harmonised tariff codes to avoid unnecessary charges
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Ensure each parcel includes a certificate of authenticity, invoice, and shipping manifest
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Provide tracking links, estimated delivery windows, and insurance documentation
🛃 “No surprise fees. No bureaucratic headaches. Just art delivered — the way it should be.”
And yes, I can work directly with your interior designer or gallery representative if you need white glove delivery or scheduled installations.
6. Eco-Conscious Where Possible — But Never at the Cost of Protection
Let’s face it — sustainability matters. But so does ensuring your investment arrives safely.
That’s why I use recycled cardboard and biodegradable foam wherever possible in my medium-size art shipments. The crates? They’re often reused or repurposed by clients (I’ve seen one turned into a side table!).
Everything is built to last, not built for the bin.
7. Personal Service All the Way
When you order from Modern Elements Art or commission a bespoke piece via Henderson Metal Art, you’re not dealing with a warehouse. You’re dealing with me.
I personally:
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Build the crate
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Pack the art
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Book the courier
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Send you the tracking details
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Follow up to make sure it’s arrived and looks perfect
No outsourcing. No call centres. Just one artist who wants your piece to look even better than it did online.
8. What Customers Are Saying
“I was nervous about shipping a sculpture internationally, but it arrived in perfect condition — even the customs officer was impressed with the crate!” — Samantha D., New York
“The packaging was just as beautifully engineered as the artwork inside. It felt like unboxing a treasure.” — Mark F., London
“We’ve worked with artists across Europe, and Christopher’s shipping process is the gold standard.” — Ella R., Interior Designer, Dubai
9. Final Thoughts: When You Buy Metal Art, Packaging Matters
It’s easy to overlook packaging until something goes wrong. But in the art world, shipping isn’t just logistics — it’s part of the artistry.
With my pieces, the packaging is designed to reflect the quality of what’s inside. Heavy-duty boxes, industrial-strength wooden crates, and artist-led attention to detail every step of the way.
So wherever you are in the world — you can feel confident that when your art arrives, it’s going to turn heads, not raise eyebrows.
Ready to Own a Piece?
Explore the full collection of reproductions at
👉 ModernElementsArt.com
Or get a bespoke commission something truly unique with a one-to-one quotation.
Do you have a due shipping question, a bespoke size, or installation advice?
Drop me a message — I’m always happy to help.
My Shipping Promise
✅ Artist-built crates for sculptures & large art
✅ Reinforced boxes for smaller works
✅ Scratch-proof, shock-absorbing materials
✅ Tracked, insured, and customs-cleared
✅ Global delivery — done right
Your art deserves to arrive like royalty. I make sure it does.