Did you know that the French Impressionists were not only revolutionary painters, but also revolutionary framers? In place of the 'old' style, they designed sleek minimal frames, realizing something shrewd: framing matters. Frames can enhance, customize and protect fine art collections. To help you harness the power of framing, here's our guide to thinking inside the frame. 

The Framer

You’ve just bought a sublime work of art and decided it needs a fresh frame. Our best advice here, is don’t take it to any old place with wood and glass. Framing, especially fine art framing is an art form. We instead, recommend seeking out a skilled framer, preferably with experience handling precious items like fine art.   

We have been working with A & L Artistic Framers for over twenty five years. Family-run, Hawthorn based and decades deep in experience, they are an ideal framing collaborator.  

  

The team at A & L Artistic Framers

 

How and Why to Frame

Framing can serve a range of purposes, some of which include enhancing, protecting or customizing a work of art. In terms of finding the best looking frame, tinkering around with options is a good idea. Book in a framing consultation with your chosen framer or fine art professional online or in person to kick start the customisation process. Look for some inspiration in our article about Exploring Art Framing Styles.

If you’re engaging a skilled framer, all frames should be high-quality. That being said, keep in mind what mat and glass are being used. The mat, a paper-based platform separating the art from the glass, should be acid-free. Ensuring there is a gap between art and glass helps prevent moisture building up and corroding the work.  

 

Taking Your Frame Home

While your work of art is safer framed than it is unframed, it is still susceptible to heat and light damage so keep it somewhere cool and shaded. Works of art thrive best in habitats away from direct light and humidity. This means reconsidering which works of art you hang in sunrooms and in damp spaces like kitchens or bathrooms. Above heat sources, such as fireplaces are also another place discolouration and deterioration can occur.

 

Judy Cassab, 'Courting' – framed by A & L Artistic Framers

 

To find out more about our custom framing process, or for framing advice shoot us an email at hello@artandcollectors.com or call at 0499 184 964. 

Find more information about our framing services here.