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Framing: A word to the art-wise
Rarely does contemporary art benefit from elaborate frames; the
attention should always remain on the work. We buy art because it
speaks to us personally, and the frame shouldn't get in the way
of that experience. In fact, many artists prefer that their pieces
(especially paintings on canvas) be displayed without any frame at
all. Some artwork comes pre-framed, and in some cases the frame is
actually part of the work itself. At NextMonet, we have art
consultants who will gladly assist you in making recommendations
about appropriate framing.
To protect and serve
A frame serves many purposes: It protects and enhances the work, while
providing a stable platform for hanging. For media that require more
protection (prints, photography, drawings, pastels, watercolors, and
some mixed media), we recommend museum quality framing. This type of
framing is simple — with no distractions, like ornate frames or
colored mats — and archival. "Archival" means framing
that will protect the work from moisture, light, and corrosive
elements. See Conservation.
Keep it simple
Simple moldings (frames) are recommended over elaborate ones. They
are inexpensive, and less likely to compete with the rest of your
décor. Choices in finish range from natural to light or dark
stains to black. The samples below show the types of moldings we
recommend. Simple square or oval top frames are not only elegant, but
also help keep the price of framing down.
We typically recommend a single white mat for most frames. Don't
be talked into multiple colored mats; they are unnecessary and tend to
cheapen the work. Remember, the first aesthetic rule in framing is:
"Don't let it compete with the art." The picture to the
left shows one mat being cut by hand, and a second being cut by a
computer operated mat cutter.
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| Hand operated mat cutter |
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Computer operated mat cutter |
Saving face
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Mat, museum board,
and backing board |
A frame is a sort of sandwich that protects the surface of delicate
artwork. Glass or clear acrylic (usually Plexiglas) is held off the
surface of the artwork by the mat or an invisible spacer called a
"float." Since a mat covers part of the artwork, spacers may
be used instead of a mat so that the entire piece can be displayed.
When in doubt, ask
Professional framers (including NextMonet art consultants) will be
glad to make framing recommendations relative to the work. For example,
a framer may recommend a white stained birch frame and wide mat for a
delicate piece that needs some breathing room to be properly
appreciated. But bear in mind that the framer can't know where you will
hang the piece, so the framer's advice is based solely on the
requirements of the artwork.
Watch your back
The back of the work should be attached to acid-free museum board, with
linen or rice paper hinges. Most cheap frames use backing board and
matting material that contains small amounts of acid. Over time this
acid leaches into the artwork, staining it and making it brittle. In
museum quality frames, all material that touches the work is PH neutral
(free of acids). The picture above shows a four-ply mat, over museum
board, over an acid-free corrugated backing board.
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Attaching the
hanging wire |
All frames should be sealed against moisture to avoid damage from mold
and humidity. Small frames (under 32" x 40") are usually sealed
with brown paper. Larger frames are strengthened by a another flat wood
frame called a strainer that, along with the corrugated backing board,
seals the back of the frame. The picture to the right shows the gray
corrugated backing board and the strainer.
Below is the final product, ready for shipping to your home.
Next: Display
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