Courier training: Getting it there in one piece

Explore the most up-to-date practices associated with couriering for museums today.

Join us at V&A South Kensington and discover different stages of the courier trip, from planning and preparation to delivery and installation. You’ll hear from expert V&A staff about the personal and professional qualities they look for in a successful courier.

Additionally, we will explore how digital couriering can provide an alternative method when faced with travel restrictions, and the V&A Exhibitions team will share their experiences of receiving couriers for blockbuster exhibitions. Through case studies and group tasks, you’ll learn how to handle common obstacles faced by couriers, including last-minute schedule changes and object damage.

You will learn when and why a courier is required, along with the various museum departments involved in object transfer. V&A Registrars will explain the transportation process, from methods of transport to unloading and moving objects upon arrival. You’ll discover the borrowers’ point of view as our Exhibitions team share their advice for a smooth borrowing process and object transfer. In an interactive group task, you’ll be given case studies involving common problems and discuss the best solutions. You’ll also learn about a recent addition to the courier process, digital couriering, as a safe and sustainable alternative to traditional couriering.

V&A Academy gives you online access to a range of courses helping you develop the professional skills you need to work in today’s museum sector. Led by expert staff, the professional development programme offers courses and training that use V&A case studies to provide unique insights into our world-class collections, work and best practice.