Sending A Picture Abroad

[lilypoppyfre]

i have begun the decluttering of my house and one of my sisters, living in Switzerland, has shown an interest in a painting given to me by our father when I got married and moved to England. I have enjoyed the painting for 50 years and am delighted that it will go to an other family member.
My problem is how to find a reliable shipper.
The painting is quite big (50 x 40 inches ) and with a very ornate frame.It is also in need of cleaning (my husband was a smoker and the painting was in the lounge.
The local auctioneer I contacted will only ship if he sells , which is not what I require...Does any AB know who could help me ? I live in West Yorkshire.
Many thanks for any input.

[sandyRoe]

You could contact these people.
http://www.pickfords.co.uk/

[Dizmo]

lily: What is the value of the painting? Certain couriers allow art work to be couriered however they specify value. I had the same issue when trying to find a courier to send a sculpture out to Australia.

[lilypoppyfre]

many thanks for your replies.I used Pickfords 20-odd years ago -when moving house -
and was not overly impressed with their care....however, 20 years have gone and they might see their care (!) differently....The picture is from the flemish school of Jean Baptiste Monnoyer and date from the late 1700's , according to Sotheby who valued the painting in1978. I seem to remember the shipping to England was made by Nelson but cannot recall who they are.....Time, I think to google art packers/shippers...

[Dizmo]

A painting that old, I'd take it over personally by car. I'm crazy though.

[lilypoppyfre]

Dizmo....I might also have been that crazy....40 years ago.....as it is, my car is a fiat punto....and about big enough for my shopping ...and my 2 dogs.....that is why I must find a reliable and careful shipper, used to transport old paintings !!!