FAQ'S

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Q. What are the benefits of bespoke framing?

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A. A great bespoke frame deserves to be prominently displayed. Framing and mounting are

the tools you need to make your unique item stand out. There is more to mounting these

than just display however, the right level of mounting techniques will protect your art from

acidic conditions in paper and from moisture in the wall on which it is hung. There are

several techniques used for mounting these items, each of which use their own materials

and have different results. The best mounting choice for each depends on the importance

and value of your item, what it is made of and the desired display options. Knowing the

different techniques and understanding their pros and cons will give you more options when

you want to mount your work for display.

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Q. What are the 5 levels of framing and what is the difference between them?

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A. The quality standard for picture framing is set by the Fine Art Trade Guild, the 5 levels

are, Minimal, Budget, Commended, Conservation and museum.

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The first two levels are Budget and Minimal, as the name suggests these are cheaper

options and are ideal if you intend to throw the frame away when you next redecorate.

1. Minimal, this level of framing would be similar to a frame bought at the cash and

carry type shop, which is mass produced and of standard sizes (A5,A4), generally no

mount board and you instal and make the picture or artwork fit the frame.

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2. Budget, this is an acceptable more accurate made frame at a budget price. The

frame size and mount board are made to order; the artwork is usually of no

commercial or sentimental value.

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3. Commended, this is the most common and recommended level, this essentially

guarantees the framed work for 5 years if you follow the framer’s care and

maintenance advice. Of course, by ensuring the correct care is taken, your frame will

likely last well beyond 5 years. This is because the quality and standard of

workmanship that goes into preparing the frame and art package is the exact same

as for a museum level frame, the only difference being in some of the materials used.

 

4. Conservation and 5. Museum, these are the top 2 levels which come with 20 and

35 year guarantees but which come at a premium price due to the requirements of

materials used. These are most suited to collectable artworks or high value items.

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Q. What does it cost to have a frame made?

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A. Due to the individual nature of each customers requirements, a standard fixed price

cannot be given for framing, however, there is an international pricing system which is

generally used by professional framers. This takes into consideration that glass, mount

board and backing board are at a set price, therefore the only variable is the moulding

(frame) as there are thousands of different options. The price is then worked out individually

on the linear length of your chosen frame.

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Q. Why pay the extra for bespoke framing?

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A. When someone new enters your home, it is their first impression of your home and

naturally you will want that to be a good one. What is very popular at the moment, is to

create wall art in the hallway with either a collage of you family pictures in one frame with

multi apertures, or a montage of pictures in individual frames of different sizes and colour.

Now imagine a cheap multi aperture frame from the Swedish cash and carry and having to

make your cherished memories fit in this premade frame or imagine the same frame that has

been individually made to order, your precise size, shape and layout specification, the colour

of the mountboard and how many layers and finally your choice of frame.

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Q. Why are canvas and tapestry frames price differently from framed pictures?

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A. The price difference is mainly due to the extra labour time taken in preparing the artwork

for framing, for example a canvas needs to be stretched and secured on to a sub frame

called stretcher bar and tapestries are normally stretched over stiff board and the opposite

edges sewn together by twine or wool (kind of like lacing a shoe). Once this is done, the

remainder of the framing process is similar to that of any other frame.

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Q. What is the difference between a 3D box frame and sports memorabilia?

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A. When framing the likes of football tops or medals, the method I use is to insert 5mm thick

foam board in to the top or around the medals to create depth, because of the thickness

created by this and the addition of glass, mount board and backing board, I generally use a

frame with a deep rebate to accommodate all of the package. However if I’m framing a

boxing glove, a cast of your child’s hand or their first shoes, then I make a box frame where I

make a tapered box out of backing board (to keep the weight down) which is then dressed in

mount board and houses the article, be it a boxing glove or your child’s teddy.