Inside Convelio's Art Storage Facilities: Meet Richard, Head of Fine Art Operations

Calm under pressure, deeply experienced, and uncompromising on standards, Richard now leads our London warehouse team of 12 specialists, whose combined decades of hands-on expertise shape and support everything we do - from precision packing and complex installations to global shipping, customs coordination and cross-border logistics.

With a background in sculpture and years spent building a leading shipping operation from the ground up, Richard brings both technical understanding and long term perspective to every project. We sat down with him to talk about pressure, precision, and where are handling is heading next.

Hello Richard. You’ve built a strong reputation in London’s art handling world. How did you get into this field, and did you ever imagine leading a team like this?

I got into art shipping after returning to London from New York, where I had been making bronze sculptures for some of the leading American artists at the time. I had completed a BA Hons in Sculpture and worked across many mediums - so I understood materials and weight and fragility from the inside.

Back in London, I joined a small art shipping company run by an Australian lady. It was a tight team and we worked hard. Over more than thirty years we built that business into a leading shipping operation. I did not begin with the idea of leading a team, but when you stay focused on standards and long term growth, leadership becomes part of the responsibility.

That same mindset now shapes how we operate our London warehouse and how we support clients through both our London and Paris facilities. We are always planning ahead, not just for the next job, but for the next few years.

If you are reviewing your current storage set up, our London and Paris warehouses provide secure, professionally managed space designed specifically for fine art, with rigorous handling protocols, condition reporting and full inventory visibility. Our team would be happy to discuss your storage needs.

What does a high pressure day look like for you?

A high pressure day is usually when something goes wrong despite careful planning. A vehicle breakdown or unexpected traffic delay can put pressure on an installation schedule.

Over time you learn not to react emotionally. You assess the situation, speak to the right people, and implement a solution. You stay calm because everyone else is looking to you to set the tone.

Of course, the real work happens before those moments. Careful planning, clear communication and proper systems reduce risk long before a truck leaves the warehouse.

What’s one project that really tested your team’s technical skill?

The first London one man show for Anselm Kiefer was a major test. The works were large, heavy and complex. They required careful transportation and precise assembly on site. It was physically demanding, but more than that, it required complete coordination as a team.

Another was installing the sculpture of Margaret Thatcher at Guildhall. The piece had to be manoeuvred through narrow windows with very little clearance. It involved careful twisting and lifting through a tight aperture. Jobs like that rely entirely on teamwork and trust.

We have never said no to an installation. With planning, experience and the right technical approach, most challenges can be solved.

What separates a good technician from a great one?

All good technicians bring value to a project. A great technician can step back and see the bigger picture. They control the job, manage the crew, communicate with the client and keep everything steady at the same time.

When a team has worked together for a long time, everyone understands their specific role and their strengths within the group. That cohesion is essential when handling valuable and sensitive works.

Maintaining that standard requires training, consistency and clear processes, whether we are on site at a private residence or managing works inside our warehouse facilities.

What do people outside the industry misunderstand about art handling?

A lot of people misunderstand what is required when handling all kinds of art. I have seen numerous companies try to treat the art work as all the same but fail on service and delivery of the clients expectations. That is not the case. Different materials, finishes and values require different approaches.

Service is also often underestimated. Clients expect a certain level of professionalism and delivery. It is our role to ensure that every technician is trained to meet that expectation. When the standard is consistently high, clients return to us again and again.

This extends to how works are stored, monitored and documented. Secure storage, environmental control and accurate condition reporting are not optional extras. They are fundamental to protecting a collection properly.

In our London and Paris warehouses, we also operate a Tier 1 Warehouse Management System that can connect directly to our Inventory Management Software. The IMS can be used as a free standalone platform, or linked to our WMS for additional automations at 75 GBP per month, giving clients real time visibility and tighter operational control. Explore the IMS.

What makes London installs unique?

London has exceptional collectors and beautiful homes, many of which present logistical challenges. Historic buildings, tight staircases and complex access points are common.

We approach each installation with consideration and advice. While some projects are challenging, most are achievable with the right planning and technical expertise.

London itself is busy, exciting and creative. Having a London warehouse supported by our Paris facility, with New York opening soon, allows us to coordinate movements efficiently across the UK, Europe and the US as part of our global operations.

What standard do you never compromise on?

Preparation for the future. I believe in planning not just for the next few months, but for the next few years. I work with a five year benchmark in mind. We may adjust slightly along the way, but improvement must always be moving forward. I despise procrastination and poor decisions usually which end up costing a lot more money.

What do you see changing in how art handling or warehouse management is done in the next few years?

I expect Contemporary Art will continue to increase in value, and provenance and condition will play an even greater role in collecting decisions. Owners will lend more works to museums so they can be seen and shared more widely, similar to what has happened with Old Masters.

This will lead to more detailed condition reporting and greater control of conservation materials. As people hold onto their collections for longer, regular inspection for deterioration will become more important.

We will also see increased attention to environmental monitoring in trucks and warehouses, alongside a stronger focus on sustainability and the cost of maintaining stable conditions. Consolidated shipping, rail and sea freight will likely become more common as part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency.

Our approach is to stay ahead of these developments through investment in facilities, training and technology. If you would like to discuss future proofing your storage or transport strategy, our team is ready to help.

Quickfire Questions

Favourite time of day in the warehouse?

My favourite time of the day in the warehouse is first thing in the morning and at the end of the day when everyone has gone home where I can use the moment to reflect on the warehouse, the transport and work done for the day.

London in three words?

London is a very busy, exciting, creative multicultural city for me.

One thing you cannot start the work day without?

I usually wake up at 05:00am and I cannot start the day without a cup of tea and a bowl of cereal for breakfast. Then I am ready for the world.

Looking to dive deeper into the world of fine art logistics and storage?

Here are a few resources mentioned throughout this interview:

1. London Storage Solutions: A closer look at how our Heathrow facility supports collectors, galleries, and institutions across the UK.
2. Art Storage Redefined (Paris): An inside tour of our Le Bourget warehouse and the technology reshaping art storage in France.
3. White-Glove Art Delivery Guide: What “white-glove care” really means, and how professionals handle high-value works with precision.
4. Careers at Convelio: Interested in joining the world of art logistics? Explore current roles on our job board.
5. Contact Us: Have storage needs or project questions? Our team is here to help. Contact us at order@convelio.com.