Artist Engineering Hardware

Redefining Best Practice.

The art world spends billions on conservation, protection, security and insurance of artworks – yet relies on centuries-old methods when it comes to physically moving and installing pieces of incalculable cultural (and monetary) value.

Artist Engineering came to us with a bold concept to address a clear problem: the standard practice of handling valuable artworks by hand exposes them to the critical risk of irreversible damage, even with gloves and the utmost care. The concept was ambitious, embodying solutions that would minimise risk by completely eliminating direct contact with artworks altogether, and address all the pain points and workflow wrinkles faced by art handlers daily.

The result is AE Hardware: a modular system of precision components that sets a new standard for artwork handling best practice.

• Ultra-low-profile AE Brackets are permanently fastened to the rear of the artwork (frame/stretcher).
• Removable AE Clips secure into AE Brackets, providing non-contact attachment to shipping crates.
• AE Grips mount to AE Clips, providing non-contact fixtures for all handling scenarios.

Cobalt joined the project early, helping transform an original concept into a professional tool for technicians and handlers globally. Collaborating with Artist Engineering across a five-year development programme, we guided and executed industrial design, engineering, prototyping, and testing – refining every component for usability, safety, and clarity.

What’s been created isn’t just hardware – it’s a cohesive, user-centric system that overhauls a critical, high-stakes handling process. Embraced by major institutions across North America and Europe, AE Hardware reflects a deep understanding of the handlers’ work and a shared commitment to the preservation of cultural objects.