What is Conservation Framing
Conservation framing is an art in itself. It aims to protect the future of your work, ensuring its beauty lasts for generations. The frame not only enhances your artwork aesthetically but also acts as a protective case, instrumental in safeguarding your work.
To meet the stringent standards of conservation framing, we ensure that all materials used meet specific criteria. At every stage of the framing process, and with every element of the frame, our utmost priority is to preserve the integrity of your artwork.
What role does conservation play in framing?
Picture frames generally serve two main purposes: they protect and visually show off the artwork. As the word suggests, ‘conservation’ grade framing refers to the materials and processes used to preserve the work for years to come. After all, there’s no point in making a lovely frame if the artwork is going to fade over time.
What makes a frame conservation standard?
To be classed as conservation standard framing, all materials used must meet certain criteria and all processes undertaken must be fully reversible, leaving the artwork in its original condition.
What materials do you use?
Our frames are commonly made from obeche, tulip, ash or oak wood, which are hand-finished with our own stains, paints and waxes. All of our mount boards are atleast conservation grade, if not museum grade. We also offer different glazing options from standard float glass to museum grade glass and even UV protective acrylic when required.
What's the key to framing a picture well?
We treat each artwork on a case by case basis: what might work well for one image may ruin another. For example, where we would use use screws to hold a stretched canvas in a tray frame, we would never apply the same logic to a work of paper. Our frames are tailored to show off your artwork in the best possible way.
What makes Hidden Framing unique?
We frame all of the rare works sold across Hidden Gallery. Our extensive knowledge in conservation and museum-grade framing, inaddition to our individual background in the arts, allows us to provide a fully bespoke framing service to individuals, businesses, artists and galleries.
Using archival materials wherever appropriate, we specialise in processes which are reversible and work to protect your piece for years to come.
In addition, our broad range of mouldings and carefully mixed paints allows us to produce personalised frames to compliment your work. From the moment you get in touch until the artwork is safely hung on your wall, each decision we make is in the best interest of your work.
Regardless if it’s a Picasso or your daughter’s drawing, we treat each artwork with the care and attention it deserves.
How would you suggest treating a framed artwork once it's left the workshop?
Do you just frame works on paper and paintings?
Although we specialise in framing these items, we have framed an array of ceramics, artefacts and tapestries, such as Grayson Perry’s Gay Black Cats. If you have something a little different that you would like to frame, speak to one of our framers to discuss your options.
What is the most unusual thing you've framed?
We once framed a goat’s head! Other highlights include a three-metre long Chinese scroll, fragments of dried petals from a wedding bouquet, a piece of the Berlin Wall and a knife signed by Steve-O from Jackass (which he had used to cut a lemon and squeeze the juice in his eyes).
What if I can't get to you in person
We now offer a fully insured courier and framing service for clients outside Bristol. Our courier collects your artwork, delivers it to our workshop, and ensures its safe return after framing.
We’ll hold a personalised video or phone consultation to discuss your framing needs, guaranteeing specialised care for your piece. Hidden makes preserving and showcasing your artwork effortless from start to finish.
Get in touch for your free consultation or drop by our workshop
No job is too small or too complex
