Expert Artwork Relocation
The Task
William Tracey & Sons (WTS), part of the Cronin Group, were appointed by the OPW Art Division to remove and relocate a large oil-on-canvas artwork from Dublin Castle to OPW storage facilities, supporting refurbishment works ahead of Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency.
The piece consisted of three framed sections (1850mm x 3200mm), mounted three metres high. After a detailed risk assessment, the WTS Project Manager identified a mobile scaffold tower as the safest removal method.
Approved RAMS were issued to the Senior Art Collection Registrar before work commenced.
The Process
Safe Removal & Packing
The WTS crew unloaded equipment and erected the mobile scaffold tower.
Two trained art-handling specialists lifted each canvas from its brackets and lowered them safely to the ground team.
A protective work area was prepared with heavy-duty polythene, and each section was individually wrapped in conservation-grade materials for safe handling and transport.
Secure Transport
Each wrapped section was carefully carried down a flight of stairs to ground level and loaded onto a specialist vehicle.
The artwork was then transported securely to OPW’s designated storage facilities using best-practice fine art logistics procedures.
The Outcome
The relocation was completed ahead of schedule, without incident, and with zero damage, reinforcing WTS’s reputation for excellence in fine art handling, specialist removals, and secure transport for Ireland’s cultural institutions.
Client Testimonial
“WTS handled this complex removal with exceptional care and professionalism. Their planning, packing, and communication were excellent throughout. The artwork was relocated safely and ahead of schedule.”
— Senior Art Collection Registrar, Office of Public Works
