Australian entrepreneur invents hardware aimed at making art-handling lower risk and hands-free
Artist Engineering Hardware is a new system that aims to reduce damage during transport and installation by eliminating direct contact with works of art
A new hardware system aims to reduce risks associated with handling art, according to Sam Shmith, the inventor of the Artist Engineering (AE) Hardware. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Shmith developed the invention to address concerns raised by the Canadian Conservation Institute about the "last 100m" issue and the even more pressing "last 10m" challenge.
The AE Hardware, which has been on the market for about a year, is currently being evaluated by users such as the National Gallery in London. The system features a grip that disengages from the artwork, leaving a discreet bracket permanently installed in the frame or support. This design aims to prevent minor damages, such as fingerprints, which can lead to significant claims.
Unlike traditional methods involving repeated drilling and installation of new hardware, the AE Hardware provides a fixing point for securing works during transit and allows for contact-free removal. The bracket can be used for any material and is suitable for both 2D works and sculptural or wall-based objects during fabrication.
The system aims to mitigate risks such as handling by the stretcher bar, which can cause the paint to crack due to the aging of the structure. While the hardware's novelty may lead to concerns about misuse, Thomas Douglas from Helu-Trans in Hong Kong emphasizes the system's ease of use. The cost of installing AE Hardware is higher than traditional methods, but it can be removed and shared between works, potentially reducing costs over time.
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