Double-sided Frame

[RobM]

I appreciate this isn't particularly different from the question I posed last week about stained glass, but it might be something some of you have already dealt with.

A client has brought in this artefact, an envelope for a letter written by Albert Schweitzer, and would like to be able to see both sides, even if the rear side is as normal.

Still, it would be nice to look for a better arrangement with a complete double-sided frame if it was possible to do so.

You can actually buy ready-made frames in this style off Amazon for standard sizes, and I did spot a video online of an American framer who had made one (albeit without actually explaining how he did it).

Is this a thing that any of you have done?

[theframer]

You can mount it between 2 pieces of glass,

[vintage frames]

Mounting between two pieces of glass will hold it, ok but being in constant contact with glass could cause future condensation issues (thank you, Justin) and damage the item.
You could seal the glass package and that would help but a better idea would be to use archival acrylic.
It's easy enough to buy in pre-cut to size.

I would leave a see-through border around the object as this suggests the back end is available to view.

Frame wise, make the front frame, load in some spacers to both hold the package and bring up the surface level with the back of the frame.
Then use a fillet/slip as the back frame and glue in place.
It might be easier to use a plain wood fillet and paint it black or whatever.

[Justintime]

If you want to do a double sided frame I've seen it done beautifully with those neodymium magnets recessed into the back of both frames.
Personally design-wise, i'd think about having a window mount on each side, the aperture slightly bigger than the envelope. I haven't thought it through totally, so there might be some framers magic involved, a wand etc...

[vintage frames]

How does that work, Justin?

What's holding the envelope up?

[Justintime]

That's the million dollar question. Answers on the back of a postcard! Off the top of my head, perhaps encapsulating it in melinex?

[Justintime]

I'm just trying to work backwards from the finished design I can see in my mind..

[Justintime]

Maybe also think about photographing the back sender details, using a single sided frame, with a title window below the piece showing the back sender details?

[vintage frames]

If you were to use melinex, does that not give a sort of plasticky film effect over the envelope? Only asking as I've never used the stuff.

Taking a photo print of the back would work I suppose, but you tend to lose the magic and actuality of the original.

Still waiting to hear how its going to sit inside the mount..

[WannabeFramer]

I have done a simple version of something similar recently but can’t find a photo, sorry.

I encapsulated the paper in Mylar, then sandwiched between two window mounts, just slightly larger than the edges of the paper so it looked like it was floating, but should have enough pressure to stop it slipping down. Jim Miller has a good guide with distances for the tape etc. Yes, it was glossy but the customer preferred that to a scan and print of the reverse.

The frame was standard on the front, glass instead of backing board held with glaziers points, then a slip glued in to cover the points. I did seal with narrow gummed tape before putting the slip in.

I’m sure there are better ways, but it worked for me and the customer with the budget they had. I would love to see the magnet method!