I have an odd question. I am a part-time artist (full time accountant) that sends matted prints (usually fantasy digital art) to different scifi/fantasy cons around the country. Usually I mail it to the con, they hang it, and send back either unsold art or a check for sold art (or a combo).
In August 2005, Glasgow is hosting Worldcon. I would like to bring or send my art. I'm trying to find out which will be more economical. I am already planning on attending, as we're attaching it to our London honeymoon. So the only cost differences will be if we mail in ahead of time or bring it with us.
Major concerns are customs, postage, and delivery times. Since these are works of art, I'm sure there are special rules. The sales would be conducted by the con itself, which takes care of any tax en masse.
Does anyone have any info that could help me? I realize this may not be the BEST venue for the question, but this board has surprised me in the past with the wealth and depth of knowledge the posters have. I've checked the customs site for the UK, and came back more confused than I went in! 
Thanks for any insight!
Bringing prints to an art show in Glasgow
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Hi GreenDragon,
I have only mailed one piece of art overseas to Belguim and it was so long ago I can't remember the cost, check with your local Fed Ex office for details, as to the weight and size issues....otherwise I have always carried my paintings on airplanes with me in a pillowcase if small or a portfolio...I used to be able to slide them behind the first class seats and/or get assistance from the flight attendants, not sure how that would go over now...Last time I did was spring 2002..I just would never check anything of mine, I'd check my luggage first if I had to...good luck and happy selling !
Thanks! The easy part of this is, the prints are all matted, not framed (no glass, very lightweight), and all max 11X14 in size. Would I be able to carry on a selection of, say, 20-25 prints? It would be a box 12X18X3 at most...
An ancillary question is: I also make beaded jewelry that I may 'mat' and bag for hanging at this show (looks very similar to a matted print, but with the necklace or bracelet attached to the matboard with wire). I am thinking of bringing some of that with me as well, instead of more prints...
My fiancée ships art throughout Russia, the US and Europe. All things being equal, she prefers to bring the artwork with her (even paintings and sculptures) if she is also traveling to the same destination as the artworks. In almost all cases, taking the pieces yourself means that the fees for excess baggage (if applicable) are less than that for express or courier shipping, the security is better, and there is no time taken for customs clearance (you probably won’t have to hire a customs broker).
You should contact the art fair’s organizers for information regarding customs-different countries have different rules regarding duties for artworks for sale, and since you are probably bringing (unsold) works out of the country you need clear advice. Also, the distinction between fine art and merchandise is often not very clear (usually the duty on merchandise is far higher than on fine art).
As for size, if you can check a bag of a particular size, you can bring artworks in that bag (or box). It should be easy to open the box for inspection, though.
Excellent! Thank you, Marc... you answered my question perfectly!
Greatly appreciate your help!