What is Conservation Framing

Art is defined as the creation of works of beauty, and obviously works of beauty that we own and cherish such as paintings, prints, drawings etc, we want to last forever.

But often the things we cherish are fragile, and this is so with artworks. At Barry McCormick Framing Gallery Ltd, Barry has long been committed to conservation framing. But what does conservation framing actually involve?

The task of conservation framing is to firstly preserve, then enhance the artwork by minimising the atmospheric contaminants it is exposed to, and acid is the contaminant that causes the most damage.

Acid, or lignum, is found in wood sap, and is a component in wood pulp products such as board and paper, which most artworks are often created on.

The acid eventually eats away at the paper or board causing it to become fragile and discoloured.

At Barry McCormick Framing Gallery Ltd, conservation framing involves using 100% cotton rag mat and mounting board winch counterbalances the effect of the acid on the artwork, acid free backing board is also used; and UV filtered glass protects the artwork from the harsh effects of light.

The way the artwork is attached to the backing board is extremely important as well, and should be hinged witch acid free tape, not glued.

Good artworks have to be recoverable, and need to be framed in such a way that they can be opened up and reframed years from now; but gluing makes this virtually impossible.

Cotton mount and rag mat dates back to the 15th century, when cotton rags and trimmings were the main raw materials used for making paper, and today is the highest quality mat and mount board available.

So if you have precious artworks that deserve to last forever, call Barry at Barry McCormick Framing Gallery Ltd. They'll be delighted to advise you on the best solution for framing and art appraisals.