We think a high quality print deserves a custom made frame.
The UK has a long tradition of excellent framing. Each step of the process requires expert knowledge and craftsmanship; from sourcing quality, sustainable materials to ensuring a beautiful finish. Each step is vital to produce a frame that protects the print whilst enhancing the image. Ready-made frames simply don’t compare.
Your framed print will reflect the passion for art and long standing experience of the skilled craftsmen who created it.
Our range of frame mouldings has been carefully chosen to enhance a wide range of art styles. After selecting your solid wood or metal moulding we measure, cut, glue and pin it together. We work hard sourcing materials and building relationships with suppliers to produce the best finished product. Solid wood frames are produced in compliance with the Forest Stewardship Council’s (FSC) rules. This careful process of selection and craftsmanship is necessary to build a long lasting, custom frame.
Mouldings give the frame a face and provide a setting for an artwork. Therefore it’s important to carefully select the material and its size. Modern prints tend to work best with simple mouldings in a plain black or white. More decorative mouldings are better suited to traditional pieces. Whilst these rules aren’t set in stone they help when selecting a moulding.
A mount adds depth to your image whilst protecting it. The right mount will work with the moulding to improve and enhance your art print. By creating a thin layer of air between the print and the glazing it also provides some breathing space — preventing moisture damage.
White or cream mounts are recommended for most works, with larger sizes appropriate for larger prints. Don’t let that from stop you experimenting though. Coloured mounts will really lift a print if paired well. To achieve the best results your mount is cut from archival quality, acid and lignin free white-core card. This prevents any discolouration on the edge of the mount next to the print — making sure it stays a crisp white for years to come.
Glazing shields your print from dirt and dust and prevents discolouration from UV rays and wilting due to heat. The best glazing should also be unnoticeable, so for prints that are likely to receive a lot of light we recommended a non-reflective option. This material has a thin coating which drastically reduces glare and is now standard practice for many museums and galleries. Whilst our glazing isn’t quite bullet proof (like in some galleries), it offers much the same protection that a priceless museum piece receives.
You can also choose between glass and Perspex. As a shatter resistant alternative to glass, Perspex is the right option if you’re concerned about safety. Popular for children’s rooms and restaurants, it comes as standard with all our larger frames. Traditional picture glass is a slightly cheaper and equally clear option.
Your print may be produced in one of a number of ways. Giclees takes full advantage of digital technology and give reproductions of unparalleled accuracy. Most giclees are available on a choice of art or watercolour paper. Offset-lithography also reproduces colour and detail superbly. Silkscreen printing is a traditional method resulting in a finish better suited to images of a few bold colours. Alongside these you’ll also find a great range of posters — which remain the most accessible way of buying art.
To ensure your print looks great over time it needs to be bonded to a backing board using a heated vacuum press. This creates the intense, even pressure necessary to prevent sagging, bubbling or ripples developing.
The backing board holds all the components together and keeps everything sealed so it must be fully taped to prevent any dust or dirt from getting in. Lastly a framer fixes quality hanging fixtures and strings your frame so it will hang perfectly.
