Museum Transport

The Atkinson is the principal arts venue for the borough of Sefton. As well as an Art Gallery the building houses an Egyptology Gallery, and a Social History Museum The venue also provides Theatre and Cinema spaces, a Cafe and Shop, as well as housing Southport’s main Library.

The Art Gallery reopened in September 2013 following a major capital refurbishment project. We now have four climate-controlled exhibition galleries for the display of our permanent collections and external touring exhibitions. Many of our exhibitions are drawn from our permanent collections of fine art, social history, Egyptology and natural history, supplemented by loans from across the North West region as well as galleries and private collectors further afield.


Introduction

The Council expects this contract’s annual value to be a maximum of approximately £10,000, however this will clearly be dependent upon operational activity through the year. Most loans are made within the north of England with occasional loans from lenders in London or other UK destinations such as the Arts Council or National galleries of Scotland.

With reference to the scope of the requirement, there will be about four exhibition changeover periods per year, plus occasional, ad hoc collections. The Council requires providers to quote for an estimated annual transport contract for a sample transport as follows:

• An exhibition that would each involve collections and return delivery to 5 museums and galleries (the Harris in Preston, Leeds City Art gallery, Bolton Museum & Art gallery, Tullie House in Carlisle and the Grosvenor Gallery in Chester) – two works from each lender, all works are approximately 90 x 60 cms and are soft-wrapped ready for collection. Plus 2 private collections in Rochdale and in Oldham – one work from each lender measuring approximately 90 x 60 cms and requiring soft wrapping on collection.
On return all loans will be packed by the Atkinson staff ready for return to the lenders.


Specification

The Council ultimately needs to work with a reputable, experienced, Fine Art specialist transport company that:

• Confirms to Government Indemnity Scheme standards as outlined within the GIS Guidelines document found here :
http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/media/uploads/pdf/Non_National_GIS_guidelines_v1.pdf
• Can demonstrate that they have excellent, in-depth understanding of all aspects of fine art transport for historic and contemporary paintings, sculptures, photography and objects.
• Will provide a very ‘hands-on’, practical service, including on a ‘nail to nail’ basis if required
• Will pack loans and handle objects to the highest standards, on our premises - in the museum, the galleries and the store, and occasionally on the premises of lenders – including occasional condition checking and wrapping.
• Will build and supply transit cases and packing materials to our specifications
• Will provide administrative and logistical support to the highest standard, liaising with registrars and lenders re collection and delivery arrangements and any other administration required
• Works very flexibly – responding to short notice as well as helping us plan for the longer term for better value; can inform us of part-load opportunities.
• Provides sufficient capacity to provide adequate staffing for safeguarding and handling objects at all times during transit, loading and unloading.
• Will develop a strong working relationship with The Atkinson and a good understanding of our building’s logistics


Intrinsic to this opportunity the council will require:

• A clear outline of how companies will meet these requirements
• A clear and simple pricing structure
• The facility to seek references from relevant recent clients
• Technical specification for transport vehicles confirming that they meet the required standard for the Government Indemnity Standard
• The CVs and experience of individual members of staff and the service provider
• Evidence of adequate insurance cover