One of the most difficult problems for both conservators and curators is the assessment of the physical condition of objects and works of art before, during, and after the experience of travelling exhibitions. Condition reports are often too subjective, open to misinterpretation by even the experts, and often omit important observations which are needed for determining the effects of environmental changes and mishandling like to show up as delayed action some months after return. Reference is made to experiences encountered in a number of recent international exhibitions, such as Treasures of Early Irish Art, Tut-ankh-amon, and Shakespeare.