Conserve & Protect: An Art & Framing Feature

Conservation framing (sometimes called preservation framing) refers to the materials and techniques used by picture framers to frame valued art and objects to the highest standards. From matboards to glass to the paper cover on the back of the frame, today’s framers can provide a variety of specialized products and methods to display art and objects in the best possible environment.

As in any skilled craft, each professional framer develops an individual style of conservation framing, but there are a few principles generally regarded as standard: 1. All materials used in the framing should be stable, non-staining and acid-free. 2. All attachments used to support art or objects in the frame must be completely reversible, with no harm to the art or objects. 3. If glass is used in the framing, there must be space between the art and the glass.

What deserves conservation framing?
Anything being framed that has value to its owner deserves conservation framing. This might be fine art or investment art — or it may be a family heirloom. It may be a college degree — or it a child’s crayon drawing.

Conservation framing helps to preserve the value and condition of the art and objects you display in your home or office, and it usually does not cost much more than standard framing. Ask your framer about conservation services any time you have something framed that is valuable to you.

FYI, inexperienced and/or unskilled framers often masquerade as experts in conservation. For the protection of your art and memorabilia, we suggest that you entrust your valuable works to frameshops and galleries supervised by a CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMER. Call us or email and we will assist you in locating a CPF in your community. Or ask us to frame your art and objects for you. (email: art@galleryone.com)

That's all for now!
Norah Lynne Brown, CPF
(one of three CERTIFIED PICTURE FRAMERS on duty at Gallery One)

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