Hello,
First, let me say that the project I have in mind is likely to be just a one-off for my daughter who would like her late mother's Hermes scarf to be framed for hanging- I don't envisage another project but she cannot afford professional framing, I think, as quotes have been given from a local picture framer of up to £360 (I have no way of gauging their ability/experience) and another online specialist company in London quoting £750 (which is out of the question)- so I want to explore the possibility of doing a good job myself starting from a zero knowledge base.
I like challenges but experience in other fields tells me that the first attempt at anything is likely to bring disappointments and since this is a very demanding task I am not at all confident of success.
So, the first question- is there a good instructional book in which opinions based on good practice can familiarise me with jargon and tell me what materials are recommended/preferred and why, e.g. acrylic 'glass' or museum glass, foam board, polyester matting, acid resistant tape for frame rebates, frame spacers to prevent the artwork touching the glass etc. (inevitably in my daughter's south facing house there is likely to be some degree of at least indirect exposure to sunlight)
Also, I confess that I am not a good wood worker, so ideally even if I could mount the 90 cm square scarf I would prefer to buy a custom made frame into which to insert it plus, of course, suggestions how to do that part of the job is another element for research.
Thanks in advance for any replies
Gordon
newbie request for directions/advice
Re: newbie request for directions/advice
Hi Gordon.
First, let me say that making the frame is the least of problem. A delicate piece of fabric needs to be got into a state
where it can be framed. It's what I call a 'floppy' job. To do this without damaging the item is no easy task and can
be very labour-intensive. This process is likely to account for more than half the cost. It's not just a matter of getting a frame
and putting it in. So your highest quote of 360 is not unreasonable. 750 is definitely a 'London' price but as you say, you have no
way of knowing just how savvy the framer is and if it's someone who is an expert at fabric conservation framing then that isn't OTT.
Basically, the scarf should be able to be taken out of the frame in 100 years time in such a state that you can't tell its ever been in one.
Books/vids on the subject are likely to be aimed at hobbyists and can be dangerous. Plus, you would have to spend a few £ on
equipment and materials.
You can't really learn framing from a book. You can get an idea, but some practice and hands-on experience is necessary. Especially
with textile/fabric work. You wouldn't learn to drive a car by reading an instruction book.
Sorry to be a wet-blanket.
First, let me say that making the frame is the least of problem. A delicate piece of fabric needs to be got into a state
where it can be framed. It's what I call a 'floppy' job. To do this without damaging the item is no easy task and can
be very labour-intensive. This process is likely to account for more than half the cost. It's not just a matter of getting a frame
and putting it in. So your highest quote of 360 is not unreasonable. 750 is definitely a 'London' price but as you say, you have no
way of knowing just how savvy the framer is and if it's someone who is an expert at fabric conservation framing then that isn't OTT.
Basically, the scarf should be able to be taken out of the frame in 100 years time in such a state that you can't tell its ever been in one.
Books/vids on the subject are likely to be aimed at hobbyists and can be dangerous. Plus, you would have to spend a few £ on
equipment and materials.
You can't really learn framing from a book. You can get an idea, but some practice and hands-on experience is necessary. Especially
with textile/fabric work. You wouldn't learn to drive a car by reading an instruction book.
Sorry to be a wet-blanket.
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Re: newbie request for directions/advice
As Prospero said, you're not going to be able to make up a frame without the right equipment and materials ( although I bet you're now thinking of giving it a go - just for badness ).
What you can do however is hand-sew the scarf around it's edge onto a 110cm square of calico or linen and using silk thread. Now you can safely take it to your local framer to have it wrapped around to some mountboard or foamboard and framed so as to space the scarf away from the glazing.
What you can do however is hand-sew the scarf around it's edge onto a 110cm square of calico or linen and using silk thread. Now you can safely take it to your local framer to have it wrapped around to some mountboard or foamboard and framed so as to space the scarf away from the glazing.
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Re: newbie request for directions/advice
Thank you to both of you