One of the artworks travelled as unknown cargo, and the crate had to be screened at the airport. During this process, we discovered that a device was attached at the back of the painting. As no further information was provided by the owner, the crate had to be opened, and the artwork had to be examined to ensure the consignment would be approved as safe cargo and be able to travel to its destination. Before starting this process, I tried to contact the owner but was unable to reach .
We carefully opened the crate in the cargo centre and found the condition report, which mentioned that an alarm was attached to the backboard of the painting. The device should have been removed before the artwork was packed, as it constituted a serious security breach. We unpacked the artwork and carefully removed the active alarm. Once this was achieved, the artwork was repacked and returned with the condition report in its crate. The artwork was screened again, declared safe, and permitted to travel.
The entire process was documented, a report was written, shared with all parties involved and the alarm device was returned to the owner.
Image:
Unwrapped artwork in a cargo facility at a London airport with the removed alarm device.
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