FRAMING STANDARDS
INTRODUCTION
PictureFrames has belonged to the Fine Art Trade Guild since the business started in 1989. All of our work is carried out in accordance with standards laid down by the Guild and under the overall supervision of one of our qualified Guild Commended Framers. All of our bespoke work conforms to the Fine Art Trade Guild’s Conservation Level, and we work to Museum standard where required…
Dry Mounting
All of the work that we print onto one of our photo-papers is permanently bonded to a board to prevent wrinkling – a process referred to as Dry Mounting . Sometimes we dry mount other work at customers request having pointed out the mild risk inherent in the process. This irreversible process is not allowed under the parameters of conservation level framing, but all of our other bespoke work conforms to the Fine Art Trade Guild’s Conservation Level.
WHAT THE GUILD SAYS:
Conservation Level Framing: Conservation Level framing gives a high level of protection for your artwork or objects giving them protection from physical and mechanical damage, airborne pollution and acids generated by many framing materials. Conservation Level framing should be good for 20 years in normal conditions, but be vigilant: pictures are rarely hung in ideal conditions, so we recommend that you have the frame checked every five years or so by a professional framer
Museum Level Framing: Museum Level Framing is not confined to museums’ works. Some artwork gains museum-quality status over time. Works that are to be preserved for future generations, including high value items and artwork of potential or historical value should be framed to Museum Level, where possible. Processes are intended to be fully reversible up to 35 years, which means that the framed work can be returned to its former state, i.e. prior to framing, at any time, assuming that the artwork is not inherently unstable. By using the highest quality materials available and the best techniques, the framer can give your work protection from physical and mechanical damage, airborne pollution and acids generated by inferior framing materials. Museum Level framing should be good for at least 30 years in normal conditions. Pictures are rarely hung in ideal conditions, so we recommend that you have the frame checked every five years or so by a professional framer…