Crozier Fine Arts has acquired Los Angeles-based Fine Art Shipping (FAS), adding its first West Coast outpost to its existing network of eight storage and logistics facilities. The sale included FAS’ three climate-controlled storage buildings near Inglewood, its fleet and its art handling staff.
The decision was driven by increasing West Coast activity from Crozier’s clients, demand for logistical services shipping to and from Asia, and integration potential with Crozier parent company Iron Mountain’s Entertainment Services division, based in Hollywood, says Crozier's president Simon Hornby.
Founded in 1982, FAS has long-standing experience with collectors and institutions in the region, a selling point for Crozier. “Los Angeles has its own identity and its own way of looking at the market”, Hornby says. “The cycles are quicker. There are more pop-ups, more studios and a different relationship between artists, dealers and buyers.” While offering standardised procedures and installation expertise, Crozier will also be looking at ways “to be nimble on our feet and respond in shorter time frames”, Hornby says.
However, the focus is not only local but strategic, as LAX airport and the ports of Southern California provide a gateway to Asia and the Pacific. Notably, over the past few years Crozier has seen interest from “galleries in Hong Kong looking to set up in Los Angeles”, says Hornby. “Previously it’s been the other direction.”