How Picture Framing Has Changed with the Advance of Technology
by
Charles Kean-Hammerson
The current market for both traditional and contemporary artwork and the technological advances in the picture framing industry are driving picture framers to look at longer term conservation and protection solutions for their clients. These days, there are a range of different materials offering properties with benefits such as dust resistant, increased clarity, and reduced fading.
A picture framer today has available a range of glass products that were previously only seen in other industries but are now affordable in picture framing. What might seem quite a low tech profession at first sight is anything but.
At one time, a client had little choice about the glass they would be offered but now there is a decision to be made on their requirements and the materials that would best suit their needs.
Some of the typical glass options are described below:
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Non reflective glass has coating designed to ensure that very low levels of light are reflected and therefore provides greater clarity and transparency than the standard glass.
Conservation clear glass provides high levels of UV protection which means the photo or art work within the frame is protected from the UV light rays that contribute to the fading and deterioration of the piece. Ultimately, the work will last longer in the original bright state.
Water white glass is ultra clear glass that allows 98-99% of the light through the glass
Museum glass combines the anti-reflection glass with conservation grade UV protection to provide the highest quality glazing option to keep framed pieces looking better for longer.
These advancements come at a cost as you might expect. It is often the best policy to choose the highest quality that is within the budget in order to get longer term protection and a much better presentation of the piece as a result.
Picture framing is more complex than just the four corners as all kinds of materials are used at every stage of the process. The picture framer has to take account of different styles, moulding sections and materials. Even the resultant product can be more complex; with an increasing trend towards box displays for memorabilia.
One of the biggest advancements over the years has been in the area of protection of artwork from chemicals and the harmful ultra violet light rays that cause fading and damage to pieces. Picture framers on the high street are increasingly offering premium solutions to a market that is concerned about the longer term preservation of their precious pieces of artwork.
It is all a far cry from the early days of the industry which was certainly more straightforward for the customer. However, the role of a professional picture framer has evolved to provide advice about the best solution for a client using a much larger range of materials and design styles. Not only is the quality of the presentation higher but there is far more protection of the framed pieces than was ever possible before.
Charles Kean-Hammerson has established a successful
wimbledon picture framing
business, based on an aptitude for making high quality picture frames to order. Gallery 128 provides bespoke picture framing services in Wimbledon SW19 to a wide base of clients including public galleries, museums, royal palaces, private collectors, art schools, photographers, artists and illustrators.Web:
gallery128.co.uk
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How Picture Framing Has Changed with the Advance of Technology
