Sculpture Handling - Ruth Asawa

Ruth Asawa’s iconic, large looped wire sculptures require special handling. Only qualified art handlers should do this work.

Sculpture Facts

They are fragile even though they are made of flexible wire.
They are not collapsible. Once the wire loops bend, they stay bent until they are conserved to their original form (and rebending wire can affect patina).
They are not heavy. Small sculptures can weigh only a few pounds. Longer, bulkier pieces can weigh between 20-35 lbs. The largest pieces may be only 50 lbs.
The safest position is vertical, suspended by a hanging wire and swivel at the top of the sculpture.

Have good flexibility and physical agility. These two traits are more important than strength since the sculptures are reasonably lightweight.
Work as a team and are willing to take the time to read these instructions.
Rehearse how they will move the sculpture in advance, with ladders (or lifts) in position to reduce the amount of time a sculpture must be carried.

Never rest a sculpture on the floor. This may cause the larger, round lobes to become deformed.
Never pick up a sculpture without knowing exactly where it will hang and exactly how it will get to the hanging hook.
Always wrap the narrow necks with tissue paper and bubble wrap before attempting to move the sculpture.
Do not squeeze the necks, cradle them securely, but gently.
Never move an Asawa sculpture by holding the larger, round lobes.
Take particular care to protect lobes with interior forms, as these are so much more difficult, if not impossible, to conserve.
When moving the sculpture either vertically or horizontally, never allow the lobes to collapse into each other (or jam up). The suspension should be maintained so that the lobes do not collapse up or down into one another.