Installing a fine art display at the V&A, London

One exquisite art display – meticulously planned, perfectly executed. You can always entrust your precious pieces into our safe hands.

Over the past year, we have developed a close working relationship with Peter Ting, owner of Ting Ying Gallery and acclaimed ceramics artist. We regularly assist the Ting Ying Gallery with their shipping needs for individual pieces being shipped anywhere in the world. We also carry out shipping and aid with the installing of some their most ambitious art installations – such as their award-winning display area at Collect 2019, held at the Saatchi Gallery in London.

Peter’s latest venture has seen him creating an inspirational installation to form a 9-month exhibition of some of the finest examples of Blanc De Chine at the world-famous Victoria & Albert Museum in London. Peter himself already has several his own creations displayed at the V&A but this is an opportunity to really make the space his own and we were delighted to be asked to assist him to achieve his vision.

About Ting-Ying: Ting-Ying showcases the best of traditional and contemporary Blanc de Chine pieces that are currently made in Dehua, Fujian, China. Exhibiting at collectors’ fairs, together with an online presence, Ting-Ying highlights makers of excellence and innovative collaborations between global artists and Dehua craftspeople.

About the V&A Museum: The V&A is the world’s leading museum of art and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.3 million objects that span over 5,000 years of human creativity. The Museum holds many of the UK’s national collections and houses some of the greatest resources for the study of architecture, furniture, fashion, textiles, photography, sculpture, painting, jewellery, glass, ceramics, book arts, Asian art and design, theatre and performance. 

Preparation & Planning

The first, and possibly the most obvious, thing to mention is that ceramics are delicate – some exceptionally so. This is the overriding factor in every shipping decision made from the very beginning of the process. The materials, size, structure, and construction required may be different for every piece. Carefully evaluated, the safest transport solution for each component is identified.

For example, the stunning ‘Gravity In Pray’ free-standing ceramic piece by Liang Wanying. One of the most talked-about displays at Collect 2019, will form the centrepiece of this exhibition. This free-standing ceramic column stands just under 2m tall and is exquisitely decorated with delicately curved and draped ceramic features. The piece itself requires dismantling for shipping and reassembling in its final position. Each of the large sections and multiple ceramic inserts for the base has a custom-built, foam-lined wooden packing crate designed specifically for this piece only. This was just 1 of 3 large floor standing pieces that required careful assembly once on site.

With all the different elements and months of planning required, this was always going to be a precise affair. We provided a space for Peter and his team to erect their displays well in advance. This was so the presentation of each item could be carefully photographed and considered. Arriving in numerous large, custom-built crates every piece needed to be meticulously unpacked, organised and then placed into their position on the final structure.

Packing & Shipping

Only once Peter and his team were completely happy with every detail, were they carefully dismantled and repacked back into their shipping crates. Each piece clearly identified to make the final installation run as smoothly as the test run.

As well as ensuring that every piece is carefully and professionally packed for transit, we need to check the route from unloading bay to the exhibition space. Imagine unloading the art in a crate that is too big to fit through the first doorway it encounters! Wayne Forster, Managing Director of EBISS undertook a survey of the route the pieces will have to follow. He took careful note (and copious reference photographs) of the width of doorways and passages. The height and availability of lifts to raise the pieces to the necessary floor for the exhibition. The location for unloading the vehicles and even the road or floor surfaces that would need to be traversed. Cobblestones are most certainly not a friend to ceramic shipping!

EBISS CEO & Owner, Wayne Forster said “it is always our great pleasure to assist Peter and the Ting Ying team and help him to make his vision for a display become a reality. We always take every possible precaution to ensure every single piece is delivered to its destination in absolutely perfect condition – that’s our job! We are always meticulous about every aspect of the packing, shipping, unloading and installation – we can leave nothing to chance. Performing a thorough review of the site is a must for a large installation like this.” On a personal note he added, ” and it is a great honour for us to be the chosen logistics supplier for such a prestigious undertaking. Peter is a true artist and a gentlemen, working with him is always a great pleasure.”

 

Want to see more? Come along & see for yourself!

This new display, titled “Blanc De Chine, a Continuous Conversation” will include historic pieces from the V&A’s Asian and European ceramic collections as well as a selection of new works by contemporary artists. Including Babs Haenan, Lucille Lewin, Liang Wanying, Jeffry Mitchell, Su Xianzhong and Peter Ting himself. Retelling the story of porcelain-making in Dehua (China) this display will build a bridge between the past and the current, the traditional alongside new innovations.

If you happen to be in London we would highly recommend you can to take the opportunity to see some of the outstanding creations from the Ting Ying Gallery for yourself. The display is running at the Victoria & Albert Museum, Cromwell Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RL from 5th September 2019 until 10th May 2020.  Entry to the V&A Museum is free of charge – as are many of the National Museums to be found in London.

Follow us on Instagram to see more of the pieces in this remarkable display.