>Steven et al.,
>
>I'm shopping for picture carts, too.  But I've reached the conclusion that
>every museum has come up with their own solution.  Nevertheless it would be
>great if we could tackle this one as a topic for all the REGISTRARS on the
>list (and any stray art handlers who might be lurking!).
>
>What are some good features of picture carts?  When I was at Detroit Inst
>of Arts, our carts were carpeted, were constructed to look like an "L" from
>the side, and the back (the upright part) had a long shelf with a high edge
>which was divided into bins for hardware and tools.  It was a very nice
>feature.  The Art Inst Chicago has some very elegant carts with nice rubber
>bumpers and removable parts so that the cart could be reconfigured
>depending on the size of the object to be transported.   Here at the
>Guggenheim, we have very servicable carts, sort of like the DIA's, but we
>have brakes on them because of the ramps.
>
>I'd like to hear ideas from others!
>
>Suzanne


Hi Squigle

Our art carts have carpeted uprights on both sides.  This increases
capacity and allows the cart to be more balanced.  Another feature I would
recommend is that all wheels should swivel.  This allows the cart to be
pushed sideways, handy for manuvering through tight places, and storage in
small available spots.  Our carpenter makes our art carts.  I've never seen
commercially available art carts of the type most of us use.  Most
institutions with carpenter shops produce them in house as per their
specific needs and specs.

Henry B. Crawford
Curator of History
Museum of Texas Tech University
Box 43191
Lubbock, TX  79409-3191
806/742-2442
FAX 742-1136
[log in to unmask]