Voces del Prado

Technical evolution of the team

Manuel Montero Eugenia, Head of the Art Handling Staff, 1986-Up to date

The Art Handlers team has changed a lot since I joined it. I remember, for example, that there was only one drilling tool and it didn’t even have a power drill.
I remember we only had 2 trolleys. Now, depending on the type of work that we will be dealing with, if it’s a large-format painting or a sculpture or if it’s an object such as the pieces from the Dauphin’s Treasure we have different types of trolleys and more than one of each as very often pieces are moved simultaneously or you need more trolleys to move a work. The type of hangers, for example, has changed: before the paintings were usually hung on hooks nailed to the wall. Now we use steel cables and bars but we also have new types of hangers. The Museum has bought the best available on the market, from Japan and German, which are the best manufacturers at this level. The type of walls in Moneo’s extension are made of plasterboard and wood, which makes it much simpler, easier and quicker for hanging and extremely versatile for the temporary exhibitions when the hanging has to be fast and for short periods.