White Glove Art Handling Cape Town

Specialist fine art logistics for galleries, collectors, and designers. Two-person teams, custom crating, installation, and condition reports on request.

What You Need to Know

JLog provides white glove art handling for high-value artwork across Cape Town, South Africa, and internationally. Our two-person specialist teams use cotton gloves on every artwork, custom-build crates for fragile pieces, and coordinate installation at your location. Condition reports are available on request. We handle oil paintings, watercolours, sculptures, ceramics, photography, textiles, and oversized works. Goods-in-transit insurance is in place; details on request. JLog is the official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and trusted by leading Cape Town galleries.

Who We Are

JLog (JetLog Pty Ltd) is a specialist third-party logistics company based in Woodstock, Cape Town. Founded by Gerrit Dyman, we focus exclusively on white glove handling of fragile, high-value goods — particularly fine art, designer furniture, ceramics, and luxury items.

We are the official carrier for the Investec Cape Town Art Fair and trusted by leading Cape Town galleries. Our team combines logistics expertise with careful handling and an understanding of what collectors, auction houses, and interior designers need.

Address: Unit 12C, Nearby Industrial Park, 10 Railway Street, Woodstock, Cape Town | Tel: +27 21 300 6099 | Email: info@jlog.co.za

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

1 in 25
Fine art shipments are damaged in transit when standard couriers are used
R2.8B
Annual fine art market value in South Africa (2024)
92%
Of galleries and collectors who use white glove handling never experience damage claims

“Art is irreplaceable. A painting isn’t just a commodity — it’s a piece of someone’s history, vision, and investment. When you hand us a work, we treat it like we’re moving our own collection. That means cotton gloves on every piece, custom crating, and our personal attention every step of the way. You shouldn’t have to worry. That’s our job.”

What White Glove Art Handling Actually Means

White glove art handling is not generic courier work. It is a specialist service built around the conservation and protection of fine art. Here’s how it differs from standard logistics:

Standard Courier

  • • Minimal handling training
  • • No condition documentation
  • • Standard cardboard packaging
  • • No installation support
  • • Limited insurance options

JLog White Glove Art Handling

  • ✓ Two-person handling teams on every job
  • ✓ Condition report (on request)
  • ✓ Custom-built, foam-lined plywood crates designed for your specific artwork
  • ✓ Installation coordination and positioning assistance
  • ✓ Cotton gloves for all artwork contact
  • ✓ Goods-in-transit insurance (details on request)
  • ✓ Full chain-of-custody documentation

The JLog Art Handling Process

Every artwork follows the same meticulous process, from the moment we arrive at your location until the piece is safely installed at its destination.

1

Initial Collection & Assessment

Our two-person team arrives at your location with all necessary equipment. We inspect the artwork and discuss handling requirements.

2

Condition Report (On Request)

Condition reports are available on request. If your insurer needs a baseline record before the work moves, let us know when you book.

3

Specialist Packing & Crating

Our crating team builds a foam-lined plywood crate for your specific artwork in our Woodstock workshop. The artwork is wrapped in acid-free tissue and foam, with corner protection.

4

Climate-Aware Transport

For climate-sensitive works we arrange climate-controlled transport through specialist carriers. The carrier monitors temperature and humidity throughout the journey, with particular attention to works sensitive to environmental change.

5

Careful Uncrating & Unpacking

At the destination, we carefully uncrate and unpack the artwork. Our team checks the artwork for any visible change in condition.

6

Installation & Placement

We assist with positioning, hanging, and placement. A delivery condition report is available on request.

Types of Art We Handle

Our teams have experience with a broad range of fine art media and formats. Whatever your artwork, we have the expertise and equipment to transport it safely.

Oil & Acrylic Paintings

Canvas and stretched works, framed and unframed

Watercolours & Prints

Delicate works requiring humidity control

Sculptures & Statuary

Stone, bronze, ceramic, wood, and mixed media

Ceramics & Pottery

Vessels, installations, and fragile pieces

Large-Format Photography

Mounted and framed photographic works

Textile Art

Tapestries, woven works, and fabric installations

Mixed Media & Installations

Custom handling for complex, multi-part works

Oversized Works

Large-scale paintings and sculptures requiring special equipment

Domestic and International Art Handling

Within South Africa

For local moves within Cape Town and across South Africa, our teams provide full white glove handling. Collection, custom crating, and installation are included, and condition reports are available on request. Turnaround is typically 2-5 business days depending on distance.

International Shipments

We arrange international art shipping via FedEx and DHL with specialised fine art handlers. For temporary export to international art fairs, we can assist with your SACCI-issued ATA carnet, so your artwork travels internationally and returns without customs duties or complications. We manage all paperwork and logistics coordination with international partners.

Transit Insurance

Goods-in-transit insurance is in place; details on request.

For high-value pieces we recommend your own fine-art (or all-risk) policy; we declare the value on the export paperwork.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you handle oversized or very heavy artworks? +

Yes. We have custom equipment for large-scale sculptures, murals, and installations. Our teams have moved works weighing several tons and pieces measuring up to 4 metres in any dimension. We assess each artwork individually to determine the best handling approach and, if needed, arrange specialist equipment like hoists or cranes. Contact us with dimensions and weight, and we’ll provide a custom quote.

Do you provide installation and hanging services? +

Absolutely. Installation is part of our white glove service. Our teams arrive at the destination and assist with uncrating, positioning, wall mounting, and levelling. For gallery installations, we coordinate with your design team. For private collections, we position the artwork exactly where you want it. If the work requires special mounting hardware or structural assessment, we advise and can arrange specialist contractors.

What if the artwork is damaged in transit? +

Goods-in-transit insurance is in place; details on request. Condition reports before collection and after delivery are available on request and help show any change during transport. We take damage seriously and will work with you and conservators to address any issues.

How far in advance do I need to book? +

For most Cape Town shipments, we can accommodate requests within 3-5 business days. International shipments and oversized works require 2-3 weeks for proper planning, crate construction, and logistics coordination. Contact us as soon as you know the timeline, and we’ll confirm availability and build a detailed schedule.

Can you store artwork temporarily? +

Yes. We offer ambient storage at our Woodstock warehouse for short-term and medium-term holding. This is useful if an artwork needs to arrive before the destination is ready, or if you’re coordinating multiple deliveries. Storage rates are quoted per item and duration.

Do you work with auction houses and private sales? +

Yes. We have established relationships with auction houses and private dealers. We handle acquisition logistics, buyer delivery, and consignment returns. Our chain-of-custody documentation is valued by institutions managing high-value transactions, and condition reports are available on request. Contact us with your requirements, and we’ll discuss how we can support your sale process.

Ready to Move Your Art?

Get a custom quote for white glove art handling. Whether you’re moving a single painting or orchestrating a complex gallery installation, our team is ready to help.

Call +27 21 300 6099 Email info@jlog.co.za
JLog is a SARS-licensed customs clearing agent