and Bespoke Picture Framing
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Frequently Asked Questions 2
I have a large number of photographs I would like framed.
The most expensive way to frame these is with individual frames. If they can all be arranged to go into one frame, this is the cheapest option. They can made into a collage by cutting and fixing them on to a self adhesive board. We are happy to let you do this by supplying the board, but for best results it is best to let us do it for you. A slightly more expensive option is to have a selection of openings in a single mount.
I have a 3 dimensional object I want framed, is this possible?
Yes. We have framed football shirts, Muslim wedding shawls, sugar craft flowers, medals, even some old spanners!
Each job is different, but we make boxes using mountboard that we then reinforce with medium density fibreboard (MDF) to give them strength. Objects can be fixed in with a variety of methods, either clips, short tags, sticky pads, or thread. The maximum size is limited by the size of jumbo mountboard (60”x40”) which must include the height of both sides e.g. a 3” deep box will have a maximum length of 54” (two x 3” plus 54” equals 60”).
In a box frame we can also add photographs by bevel cutting them and then floating them 5mm above the base to give a shadow. Text boxes can also be added in a similar way.
Can you add some text to a mount below the image?
Yes. There are two ways to do this. The first method is to cut a small opening in the mount and fix a piece of printed paper behind. The second method is to print on to a clear self adhesive film with a fine line as a border and this is tightly trimmed and fixed to the face of the mount.
I have been left some old pictures, do you value pictures?
First you have to check whether the picture is an original painting or a print.
For oil paintings this is relatively easy as you should be able to see brush strokes in the paint, but be warned there are prints fixed to canvas and then given a painted texture where the brush strokes do not follow the image beneath.
For watercolours look for a printed title to the pictures that has been fixed to the back of the frame, this will indicate it is a print. If the image is coloured take a magnifying glass and see if the image is made up of very small dots, if so it is a print. A watercolour will show signs of a smooth layer of colour.
For engravings and etchings you need to see if there is a plate line showing. This is where the paper has stretched over the edge of the plate. If it is there, then it is likely to be an engraving or etching, but a check with a magnifying glass will see if the image is a series of dots, if so then it is a reproduction. If there is no plate line you may find this has been hidden, but other indicators like a pencil signature may suggest it is not a reproduction. A specialist knowledge is needed to identify the different forms of engravings and etchings.
If you bring in any picture you think is possibly worth something, we are happy to give a verbal identification and valuation for free. However if you wish a written valuation for probate or insurance then we charge.