Safely Transporting Pottery

While archaeology proves that ceramic objects can survive thousands of years being cocooned and kept in a stable environment, ceramic wares are fragile materials which, if not properly packaged, stored and handled during transport can get crushed and broken.

No matter how sturdy a pottery is made, transferring it from one place to another, puts it at risk from impact damage. This damage, which may arise from handling the object, is often unpredictable and in most cases accidental. This means that the possibility of damaging the object is inevitable. However, the occurrence of a damage accident can be reduced by good preparation. The most important thing that every one involve in the transportation of ceramics, whether it is a commercial ceramic or a valuable antique, must always keep in mind is to avoid unnecessary handling or touching of the object.

The transportation of ceramics, especially the expensive and valuable ones, must be planned and prepared for. This should begin by considering the handlers personal effects including the clothing and the shoes. Handlers must wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes with the right fit because loose clothing may snag the ceramic and heeled shoes maximizes the possibility of tripping or slipping on uneven and polished surfaces.

The next step is preparing the boxes or the baskets by which the ceramics will be kept during transport. The bottom and sides of the box must be lined layers of padding materials like a polyethylene foam, acid-free tissue or bubble-wrap. This will protect the ceramics from vibration and impact during road travel. It must be noted that the containers and padding that should be used in the preparing the ceramic wares for travel must be based on where the objects will be transported and on what manner they will be conveyed. Will they be transported by car, train, lorry or plane? Appropriate padding and container must be used.

In short journeys where the ceramics will be accompanied by a person, e.g. delivering objects to a customer, the packaging can be simple. A strong cardboard box padded with foam or bubble wrap will suffice. Just make sure though that the box is sufficiently supported by a packaging tape to secure that it can handle the load. Meanwhile, if the packed ceramic will be transported with other packages in cramped space, ensure that it is securely positioned in a safe corner without other objects placed on top of it.

• Connections between used cars and unpainted pottery