Large WW2 Flag to Frame

[DaveJ]

21017748_10154725967071921_1282888949_o.jpg (127.39 KiB) Viewed 11335 times

Hi guys, I've been given this large WW2 flag to frame. It was apparently on my customers Grand Fathers landing craft at the D day landings complete with shrapnel holes! He had seen one in a shop framed which gave him the idea, he doesn't seem to know whether itwas framed against the glass or suspended in a box frame. Hes trying to find out but I thought I'd ask you guys as a starting point. It's 1m 75 x 900. Thanks in advance for your in put chaps.

[Not your average framer]

That's fabulous. What's the material that was used to make the flag? It will need to be sewn on to a suitable support fabric and who ever does this work will need to know what they are doing. A little while ago I was asked to frame a British Legion standard, which was in a poor state of repair, as it turned out both the flag material and the embroidery on the flag were silk.

It was frighteningly fragile and as I spoke to another framer who is a member also a member of this forum, I soon realized that this was a job for someone who has the necessary knowledge, skills and experience. I soon realized that a lot could go wrong with this sort of job and it's clearly not a job for a beginner at this sort of thing.

I referred the customer to the other framer who knows a lot more about this sort of thing than I do. The customer was really shocked when I explained the approximate cost of getting a fabric specialist to do the preparation to get it framed. I became clear that were not initially planning on paying any more than a little to get it framed. They took the standard away and I never heard anymore about it, so I don't know if it was eventually framed, or not.

[Ed209]

Its a bit like asking your average framer to restore a painting before they frame it or asking a art restorer to cut a frame, glass, mount board etc. and assemble it


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[prospero]

It's the same with all floppy/fragile/alloftheabove items. They often demand a deal of work to get
them into a condition where they can be framed. Unfortunately, the non-framer takes little or no
account of this factor.

That flag is a fabulous artefact. Deserves a bit of tlc.

[baughen]

If the customer doesn't want to pay for the conservation factor you might suggest that it is bequeathed or lent to a local museum or archives. Assuming they apply the normal conservation standards it wouldn't cost the customer and other people would be able to see it.
An alternative possibility would be to try and raise cost of framing by a social appeal (newspaper, social media).

[DaveJ]

Thanks guys, I'm pretty sure he's willing to pay the cost, he's not short of a bob or two. I fully intend to sub out the prep work, I wouldn't even consider doing it my self so any contacts anyone has gratefully recieved!

[Jamesnkr]

If the customer doesn't want to pay for the conservation factor you might suggest that it is bequeathed or lent to a local museum or archives. Assuming they apply the normal conservation standards it wouldn't cost the customer and other people would be able to see it.

One wishes. Almost certainly instead it would be put in a drawer as they wouldn't be able to afford to conserve it. There the rust and moth would corrupt it.

Find a conservator here: http://www.conservationregister.com/

[Framemaker Richard]

I can highly recommend Alison Lister and her team in Bristol.

http://textile-conservation.weebly.com/

[DaveJ]

Excellent Thanks Richard.

[JFeig]

I would definitely not do a pressure mount against glass. A conservator might use crepeline ,tulie or stabiltex (if still available) to cover the flag prior to sewing down to an unbuffered board or fabric covered backing. These fabrics are loosely woven sheer products that will give support to the sawing process without stressing the original flag. You can order from Tallas in NYC for the proper fabric. They are good people.[urlhttp://www.talasonline.com/Crepeline?custcol_matrix_color=62][/url]

[DaveJ]

I have spoken to them and they are giving me a quote so Thanks again Richard.

[Not your average framer]

It's well worth getting it restored. How many flags from the Normandy beaches still exist after all these years? I would not be surprised if this is the only one! It tells a story! I wonder how many man landed on the beaches from that landing craft and never lived to tell the tale. This flag is a memorial to those men. There are people out there who want to see this restored and so it should be!