In preserving art, how we show it is as crucial as the artwork. Cassens Fine Art focuses on personalized archival framing, which helps to keep your art in its best state for many years. Let’s explore the science of preservation techniques for frames and why they are significant to your valuable artworks.
UNDERSTANDING CONSERVATION FRAMING
Conservation framing, sometimes called museum-quality framing, is mainly focused on safeguarding the artwork from environmental harm and preserving its visual charm. This method uses materials and techniques that are not harmful to the artwork and can be undone if needed. The key aim is to stop degradation, fading in color, or other damage as time passes.
THE IMPORTANCE OF ACID-FREE MATERIALS
The main principle behind conservation framing is to use acid-free materials. Paper and other things with acid content can harm artwork a lot as time goes by. If materials have acidity, this may result in yellowing, becoming fragile, and general deterioration. And this is why we employ acid-free matting and backing boards. These substances have a pH balance, implying that they will not respond to the art piece and initiate decay.
UV PROTECTION - SHIELDING YOUR ART FROM LIGHT DAMAGE
Sunlight, especially ultraviolet (UV) light, can be very harmful to artwork. It can make colors fade and paper become weak. We put UV-filtering glass or acrylic in our frames to fight against these effects. They are coverings that protect against harmful UV rays, blocking up to 99% of these dangerous rays. This greatly reduces the risk of fading and extends the lifespan of your artwork.
THE ROLE OF MATTING IN CONVERSATION FRAMING
Matting has two important purposes:
1. Enhancing the art's appearance
2. Protecting the art
A good mat improves how your art looks and keeps space between the artwork and the glass. This stops moisture from gathering on the glass, which could harm your piece. Also, matting assists in managing humidity by promoting airflow. This is an important measure to avoid the proliferation of mold and mildew.
Archival Mounting Techniques
Mounting is a very important part of conservation framing. The way we mount things needs to be safe, but also able to be taken apart. Common methods include using Japanese hinging. This method uses handmade Japanese paper and a paste made from wheat starch. This technique, although it firmly links the artwork to the backing board, can be easily reversed and does not harm the art. This ability to undo is crucial for preserving the artwork over time.
The Frame Itself - More Than Just a Pretty Border
The frame you select is not just for holding your artwork, but it also helps with the preservation. We utilize durable frames at Cassens Fine Art that offer physical safeguards against hits and jolts. The frame supports the overall structure of the art, making sure it stays in its proper form and is not harmed.
Environmental Control
Temperature and humidity are primary environmental elements that affect the preservation of artwork. Changing conditions in these aspects can cause materials to expand or contract, which results in damage such as warping. In our shop, there is a controlled environment to prevent exposure of the framed artwork from any extreme weather circumstances while it's being framed. We also guide our clients about correct display conditions in their residences for maintaining things over time.
The Aesthetic Element
In the science of conservation framing, we focus on safeguarding. But in the art of it, we make sure your pieces look good. A frame that has been designed well can bring out and enhance an artwork's beauty by matching with it or standing out from the artwork. We collaborate closely with our clients to select frames, mats, and other parts that not only protect but also elevate their artworks' visual effects.
Tailored Solutions for Every Piece
In Cassens Fine Art, we understand that every artwork is special and so are its framing requirements. Be it a costly painting, beloved photo, or gentle textile art piece - our conservation framing techniques are designed to fit the specific needs of each item. We have proficiency in different materials and methods which enables us to deliver personalized solutions for the careful handling and preservation of your art pieces.