Bespoke Framing
Please note we do not provide estimates for framing work over the phone, or by email or social media
Why choose bespoke framing
Every piece of art work, object or memorabilia is unique in size, colour, value, and style. Bespoke frames are designed specially to reflect this uniqueness. Each component part of the frame is made to measure and carefully chosen to enhance the item, not dominate it. We use processes, techniques and materials that provide lasting care and protection.
A finished frame normally consists of a “sandwich” of parts: moulding, glass, bevel window mount, artwork, undermount and backing board. We seal the back of every frame to prevent dust and insects from getting in and causing unsightliness or damage to the art work and mounts.
Every frame is made using professional equipment to ensure quality and consistency and comes ready for hanging.
Moulding options
Moulding is the material used to create the frame itself and hold the rest of the “sandwich” in place. We only use wooden mouldings but there are cheaper resin types available on the market. There are thousands of mouldings to choose from and with our suppliers providing an efficient and fast delivery service we only need to hold a selection of the most popular in stock. We have an extensive range of samples in store that allows you to see and feel the moulding before deciding. We also have several brochures to show the massive number of other options available from our suppliers.
Some of our clients prefer us to match up the moulding and mounts that best suits their art work and we are happy to spend time doing this and then emailing images of how the finished frame will look with various options. The depth of an item will also determine the type of moulding used
Mounting
Mounting refers to the process of connecting the artwork to a support base to make it secure and visually appealing. The method of attachment is determined by the type of art work or item being attached. So for example, we would create a foamboard template to slide a sports top over and then using pins and sewing techniques delicately secure the item to a conservation undermount. For prints, we would use conservation tape to make small hinges along the top of the back of the print before attaching to the undermount. These are just two of the many techniques we use to mount artwork including 3D objects, embroidery, and so on.
A bevel window mount has two main functions . It adds a sharp border around the artwork, enhancing its overall appearance and crucially it prevents damage by acting as a barrier to the glass. Without it, prints, for example, can become attached to the glass causing staining, blisters and tearing.
Conservation boards
These are the sheets of card we use to make undermounts and bevel window mounts. We also use conservation board to create shadow boxes where additional depth is necessary to frame a 3D object such as a collection of medals, a golf ball, teddy bears, car number plates, or thick fabric and so on.
We use conservation boards as standard and don’t stock budget boards for mounting purposes. This means that your art work is better protected and will look great for much longer than cheaper boards which tend to discolour over time. For items of value we recommend you always use conservation standard materials including boards and tapes. All our boards fully comply to FATG Conservation level.
The specifications for our boards
The surface and backing papers are made from chemically-treated pulp using pH sizing and lignin-free, except for Metallics which are not acid-free. They have a Blue Wool Scale (BWS) minimum rating of 3+. Every full sheet we receive from our supplier has the Individual BWS ratings marked on the reverse side which we check on delivery. The water-soluble extracts are minimal i.e. chloride below 0.05%, sulphate below 0.25%. For extra defence they contain a buffer of calcium carbonate to guard against contamination by air-borne acid for the life of the board.
The Core of the sheets contain High-quality alpha cellulose. They are lignin-free and bright white throughout. As with the surface and backing papers, the Core is buffered with calcium carbonate. It also passes the Silver Tarnish Test and Photographic Activity Test.
The adhesive used in the production of the boards is Aqeous PVA with neutral pH and again this is buffered with calcium carbonate and is plasticiser-free.
Glazing options
Glass prevents dust and other pollutants from damaging prints, photographs , watercolours and other artwork. It also protects against fluctuations in the humidity in the surrounding air which can cause watercolours and prints to wrinkle.
There are various types of glass available.
REGULAR FLOAT GLASS is the most popular and least expensive option. Comes as 2mm or 3mm in thickness and suitable for most framing requirements.
NON-REFLECTIVE is 2mm thick and acid etched to give a non-glare, diffused finish. ideal for enhancing viewing in harsh light.
CONSERVATION CLEAR offers 99% UV protection against harmful rays which cause fading. Artwork remains vibrant for longer. This is not a reflection free class.
NON – REFLECTIVE CONSERVATION has a matt finish that scatter light and minimises glare. It offers 99% UV protection.
