In February 2025, we assisted with a special assignment at Marienlyst Castle in Elsinore as part of the extensive restoration of the historic building.
The castle’s old prismatic chandeliers, which have been part of the beautiful interiors for decades, had to be transported to Havdrup to be carefully restored before being returned to their rightful place.
When working with cultural heritage and fragile objects like these chandeliers, it’s not just a matter of moving things from A to B. It requires a well thought-out packing and transportation solution that ensures nothing is lost or damaged along the way. Every crystal and brass fixture had to be optimally protected so they could arrive in the same condition as when we received them.
In this case, the chandeliers had already been dismantled, so our job was to ensure proper packaging and transportation. Most chandeliers were packed in custom-made cardboard boxes, where they were suspended on support arms and carefully secured with S-fill to minimize movement during transport. This solution was practical as the boxes had to be carried between floors of the castle and the transportation distance was relatively short.
However, some larger chandeliers, which were more complex in construction, were packed in customized wooden crates that provided extra protection against shock and vibration. Wooden crates are often the preferred solution for particularly fragile items or for longer transportation where maximum stability is needed.
As specialists in the transportation and storage of art, antiques and valuables, we know that every job requires a tailored solution. Whether transporting a single object or an entire collection, we always assess which materials and methods will best protect the objects – both during transportation and on-site handling.
In this case, we not only ensured the safe transportation of the chandeliers, but also a solution that took into account both the physical environment of the castle and the restoration process. When the chandeliers return to Marienlyst Castle, they will once again light up the historic halls, now newly restored and ready for many more decades of use.
Protective boxes designed for the safe transportation of fragile or valuable items.
They can be made from cardboard, wood or plastic, depending on the needs of the object and the duration of transportation.
Wooden crates are often used for long-distance shipping or particularly heavy/fragile objects, while cardboard crates are lighter and more flexible for shorter transports.
A specially designed filling material to protect fragile objects during transportation.
S-fill consists of small, malleable foam chips (also known as “foam fill”, “packing chips” or “loose fill”) that enclose the object and minimize movement in the box. The material is lightweight, shock-absorbing and prevents compression.
The name comes from the shape, which often (but not always) resembles an ‘S’.
Alternatives to S-fill include foam sheets, bubble wrap and custom-cut foam inserts.
A suspension mechanism in transportation boxes that allows items to be secured so that they hang freely without resting on the bottom.
This reduces the risk of shock and vibration during transportation, which is especially important for items like chandeliers where prisms and metal parts can be sensitive to pressure.
Photos: Daniel Listh
Marienlyst Castle in Elsinore, built in 1588 as a pleasure palace for Frederik II, is today a cultural attraction with a rich history. The castle underwent a significant remodeling between 1759 and 1763 under the direction of French architect Nicolas-Henri Jardin, which gave the building its current neoclassical appearance. Inside, the castle is adorned with exquisite interiors, including large chandeliers, gilded wooden ornaments and murals by prominent artists such as C.G. Pilo and J.E. Mandelberg. These elements were carefully selected by Jardin and the castle’s owner at the time, Adam Gottlob Moltke, and reflect the artistic and cultural values of the time.
After an extensive renovation, made possible by a significant donation in 2023, Marienlyst Castle now functions as a modern cultural center and café. Visitors can explore the castle’s historic spaces, attend cultural events and enjoy refreshments in the beautifully restored surroundings. The surrounding park, originally designed by Jardin and later redesigned by landscape architect G.N. Brandt around 1920, offers a peaceful setting overlooking the Øresund.
Sources: Visit Copenhagen, Danmarks Nationalleksikon, Friends of Marienlyst Castle
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Denmark
Tel.: +45 4373 5555
Email: info@jhpackman.dk
VAT: DK12673108
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