From the expert: Packing

STAFF HIGHLIGHT: MITCH SMITH

Mitch, one of GFA's skilled preparators, has been ensuring that clients' artwork and high-value items are safely packed, handled, and prepared for storage, transportation, and installation for more than five years. Mitch loves tackling the ever-changing challenges of art handling and takes pride in helping ensure each piece is cared for with the utmost attention to detail.

​To better understand GFA's packing services, we spoke with one of our most experienced preparators.

Q. What kinds of objects is Guardian able to pack?
"Guardian can pack a large variety of artworks, everything ranging from small, 2-dimensional works to large-scale sculptures."

Q. What are the most important things for a client to consider when requesting for items to be packed by Guardian?
"The most important thing a client should consider is the safety of their piece. At Guardian, we will do absolutely everything to ensure the safety of our clients' valuables."
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Q. How many items would you estimate Guardian provides packing services for regularly?
​"It can certainly vary from week to week. Some weeks, it can be literally hundreds of pieces, and some weeks, just a few. The variety keeps it interesting!"


Q. What's something “weird” about packing that clients don't usually consider?
"Oftentimes, items that need to be packed also need to be transported. Clients are sometimes surprised at the size of the trucks we arrive in, but rest assured, we’ve squeezed into some pretty tight places."
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Q. Who would you guess you provide packing for most frequently–private clients, institutions, or businesses?
"We provide this service to clients of all sorts, but I wouldn’t say that we work with one more than another. It’s always a good variety of private and commercial clients."

Q. If a potential client requests an item to be packed, do they have to bring the item to Guardian?
"They do not! We can often estimate how an item should be safely packed for transit with site visits by our staff. If we are unable to provide a site visit, photos and measurements can often get the job done."
 

Q. What was your most unique/memorable packing experience?
"Early on in my tenure with Guardian, we took on a rather large-scale project with a lot of fragile glassworks that required a lot of patience and brainstorming amongst our crew."

Q. Last question: What do you do outside of Guardian?
"Outside of Guardian, I like to spend time cooking, being outdoors, and spending time with my wife about our golden retriever, Leo."
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