The rise of blockbuster art shows

BBC News (Ray Furlong)

An interesting behind the scenes look at the world of blockbuster art shows.

When the Tutankhamun exhibition opens at London's O2 arena on 15 November, it will face much more competition than it did the last time it came to the UK in 1972.

Since then, the phenomenon of blockbuster art show has exploded.

"Museums now have to do blockbuster shows to get the people in," says Paul Williamson, director of museum and gallery work at Constantine, which specialises in transporting works of art.

"They're under financial pressure to tour the exhibitions: so various exhibitions may undertake a five, 10 or 15-venue tour around the world."

And packing techniques have also changed since Constantine packed the original Tutankhamun exhibition in 1972.

"I would say it's advanced tremendously - 500% - and it changes every year."

Dangers of transit

Mr Williamson says his company has a 100% safety record. But accidents do happen to art in transit.

A Picasso was lost in an air crash in 1998, while more recently a Damien Hirst sculpture of a cow preserved in formaldehyde started to leak after being transported to Norway.

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