EXHIBITION AND GALLERY FRAMING HINTS (Cont ...)
Reusing frames
There are some things you can do to enable you to more easily reuse frames, thereby offsetting some of the risk. Unless you ask, your framer might use
techniques that make it difficult to switch out the prints. Ask your framer ;- To use two sets of D-ring hangers.
- One set of D-rings should be used to attach the string, rather than stapling the string to the frame. It is hard to remove the backing
board and the print if you can’t easily detach the string. - The other set of D-rings should be attached approximately 5cm from the top of the frame, facing up, so they can be used with gallery
hanging-systems. The picture will hang flatter against the wall if the hanging points are near the top of the frame. - To use “bendies”. The back of the picture is fastened in using metal points, and points can be either rigid or bendable. Both can be removed, but
“bendies” are designed for reuse - all you do is bend them back to remove the print then bend them back into place. - If you are using a mat, touse archival hinging tape to mount the print on the back of the mat rather than mounting the print using adhesive-
backed foamboard. This enables you to easily remove the print and switch with another. It is also an archival method causing the least damage to
the print. - If you are framing to the edge of the print, to use a hidden mat or risers within the frame rebate to ensure the print doesn’t touch the glass.
- Even if you plan on reusing the frames if a picture doesn’t sell, to always finish the back with paper framing-tape. You don’t want a customer to
have an unfinished frame that could be more easily exposed to insects, dust, and mould. Nor do you want this to happen if you’re storing your
frames for a while. - If you’re storing your frames, to use cardboard protectors on the corners as the corners can easily be chipped. Your framed pieces should be
delivered with these protectors - keep hold of them.
Adventures and advances in framing: (Left) Simple black frame with white mat and plain glass, purchased online, signed and editioned in the margin;
(Middle, photo by Linton Miller) same picture but with a frame chosen specifically for the piece, framed to the edge, and using anti-reflective glass -
because the photo is taken at an angle, there are some reflections, but face-on it looks fabulous - certainly much better than the photo on the left.
(Right) TinyArt piece where the print is embellished with a bronzed edge, float framed over “wallpaper” created from the original piece in an ornate
frame with anti-reflective glass. The TinyArt project has allowed me to experiment at a smaller scale - I can’t wait to do this piece BIG!Other cost considerations
To get more bang for your buck, consider trading off a cheaper frame for more expensive glass. Photo-art can look much better behind anti-glare glass
as there are fewer distracting reflections. It also tends to look more painterly than photographic, if that’s the style you’re going for. It is more expensive,
but I personally think it’s worth it because the art looks better and is therefore more attractive to a prospective buyer. Although the framing is an exten-
sion of the art, you need to be able to SEE the art first and foremost.When you are pricing your framed artworks, be sure to account for the gallery commission so that you cover the cost of the frame even after the com-
mission is taken out. A painful mistake made by many. If you have an artist’s discount, that saving helps cover the commission.