Colour Category System
Due to the nature of the picture Collection at the National Gallery, it is possible to categorise paintings according to the actions necessary for de/installation. This has led us to group works into three categories for this purpose, which are as follows:
Standard Manual Lift or yellow move This category refers to all two dimensional works of art within the Collection that can be safely lifted and moved (and de/installed) by one or two technicians without the use of equipment. This will normally mean works that weigh less than 30kg and have maximum dimensions of 1.5 metres square.
The yellow move category encompasses the simplest moves we are required to undertake. The category includes all works that can be manually handled over small distances by two art handlers, or can be installed without the need for additional equipment to elevate the painting into position. The category does not necessarily state the characteristics of the works it includes but generally it refers to paintings weighing under 60kgs. The size of the work is also not such a significant factor as quite large paintings can be included if it is determined they fall within the ease of handling required.
Medium Lift: or silver move This category refers to two dimensional works of art in the Collection that require a Stacker, or a Stacker and Stacker Trolley to de/install them. This will normally mean works with a maximum size of 3.5 metres in length and 3 metres in height and weighing up to 150kg.
Heavy Lift or blue move This category refers to all two dimensional works in the Gallery that require the [Blue Hoist] to de/install them. This will normally mean altarpieces and other paintings exceeding the medium lift restrictions but not exceeding a weight of 400kg.
As can be seen, each category is directly linked to the type of equipment (or lack of equipment) necessary for the task. This information (along with any further relevant information) is then recorded on a data entry sheet attached to the picture record as it appears on the Gallery Database TMS (please see example sheet).
Although there are exceptions to these categories, nearly every object in the Collection can be group in one of these sections. Our approach to designing installation and transportation solutions is informed by this system.