Member Article

Crown Fine Art launches new facility

Art Central allows clients to sell as well as store art

Crown Fine Art has unveiled London’s newest, largest and most central art storage facility – Art Central - at a glittering launch event attended by some of the most important galleries in the UK.

The international fine arts logistics company, which has a global network of offices, provides services to museums, galleries, auction houses and collectors across the world. It has always been renowned for keeping art and artefacts safe, both in storage and in transit. Now it has invested heavily in new facilities.

Located just five minutes from Central London, Art Central was unveiled on September 10 and is now open for business. As well as having ‘bonded’ customs status, it features modern extras such as private client rooms, viewing rooms, client work areas, meeting rooms and a photography room.

The emphasis is not only on keeping art safe and secure – thanks to full temperature and humidity control and a unique four-hour fire-rated Durasteel wall to protect art and artefacts in storage – but on providing a place where art can be viewed and sold.

David Preston, General Manager at Crown Fine Art, said: “It is an exciting concept that was very well received by those who attended the launch on what was a hugely positive night. We believe clients will increasingly see our warehouse not just as somewhere to store art but as a ‘gallery extension’ - somewhere where they can invite potential buyers to come and view and buy art.

“The location is key, close to Overground and Underground stations and convenient for Battersea, Kensington and Chelsea as well as the gallery districts of Mayfair and St James’s. The art handling sector has needed a facility like this for a long time and our patience in waiting for a suitable location has really paid off. We believe Art Central provides the best and most convenient services in the sector and will be a real boost for our clients.”

Representatives from some of the most renowned galleries in the UK mingled with the crowds, viewed a selection of artworks loaned by the Zabludowicz collection, had portraits drawn by caricature artists and even enjoyed an opportunity to view art created by members of the Crown Fine Art team.

David Preston added: “It was a big moment for Crown Fine Art to finally unveil Art Central, but we are not resting on our laurels. We have many more exciting and innovative products and services being launched soon. This is a very important time in the UK art handling sector.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Crown Fine Art .