From its inception, the design and manufacture of purpose built crates has been a part of OES’s domestic and international shipping service.

Whether for paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, ceramics or furniture, crates are all built to conservators’ specifications. Our benchmark is the London Tate Galleries’ specification. This ensures all works of art are protected to the maximum degree.

But you don’t need to commission and purchase crates. We also stock a range of ‘high’ and ‘low’ specification transit and storage crates for hire. These comprise recycled containers and cases based on proven designs.

We manufacture a range of crates to suit all budgets and needs: ‘maximum security’; ‘non fragile’; ‘one off trip’ etc. etc. Predominantly, they are plywood frame constructions with neoprene gaskets and captive screws for security. They include expanded polyester urethane insulation - closed cell (Ethafoam) or crosslinked (Plastazote) – to provide shock resistance.

Crates can also be internally fitted out for a variety of different objects. For example, they might be ‘partitioned’ for packing three-dimensional objects encased in key cut foam or ‘slotted’ for touring photographic exhibitions.

If required, cases can also be painted or varnished to provide additional protection and/or easy identification.

For unframed works or for particularly fragile items we can manufacture transit frames.

The item is mirror plated into the transit frame, in the same way it would be attached to a wall, so the work is secure but nothing touches the surface or edges. The entire transit frame is then wrapped in polythene to create a microclimate. This can then be placed into a foam-lined case for shipping or if appropriate be transported in one of our specialist vehicles.

Transit frames can provide a cost-effective alternative to a full crate. They can be manufactured to any depth and are fitted with foldaway carrying handles.