The Framers Forum

This has been brought in to see if anything can be done. I haven't opened it up yet but it was framed by a gallery and I would assume has been hinged correctly etc. There is a damp 'tide mark' on the backing board, although the customer says it hasn't got wet, so we assume probably a damp wall. They want to retain the framing.

There are mould/mildew type patches on the mount, glass and artwork itself. I am happy to talk to a conservator about this and a cost estimate. The main point bothering the customer though, is how it has rippled and they would like it to be flattened if possible.

Well I don't know enough to know if it is indeed possible.....? Can anything be done to flatten it out again? It is limited edition on heavy looking paper but that is as much as I can tell.

Thanks as always.

I think I'm right in saying that it will flatten during the conservation process, but I'm not a conservator.
Kate Armor from Armor Paper Conservation is who I use.

Thanks, I'll look her up!

I would be interested as to how a paper conservator prices work, I always think it would be incredibly expensive (and rightly so).
I've no idea whether it is several hundred or many thousands as a starting price
Has anyone experience, maybe with a before and after picture?

https://paperconservationglasgow.co.uk/
This is who I recommend.
They are within driving distance for my customers although they do offer a collection service.

A part of any damage problem project is to ask questions of the client, just like a detective. A single question might sound trivial at first; but, will resolve many of the problems taken in full context of the interview. If you did not ask enough questions, there might not be a correct solution, present or future.
Types of questions might include:

• *where in the building
  *type of wall construction, insulated, including inside or outside8
  *where are the windows
  *type of heating and cooling
  *is the building occupied every day of the year
  *etc,

@NTG999 The work I have had done has ranged from about £120-£180 I think. Factor in p&p each way if required and a handling fee. It's an additional cost but not outrageous. I've established a working relationship with a paper, textiles and an oils conservator so far which has made it a lot less daunting to offer this service to customers. Also both offer a full appraisal of the work including condition report free of charge before undertaking the work, so as long as the customer is happy to pay postage costs this is an option. Most times though, a few photos have been enough to get a cost for the work required. I've used the ICON website to find the relevant type of qualified conservator. Hope that helps.

Hi, that is very helpful, I would have thought a lot more £. An extra service potentially I could suggest to the customer

That's a classy framing job. The mould is not too bad a problem, it will probably just brush off.

As for the waves, I would love to see how it was hinged. I've a fair idea what you would see if you took the back off.

WannabeFramer wrote: Sat 18 Jan, 2025 6:37 pm This has been brought in to see if anything can be done. I haven't opened it up yet but it was framed by a gallery and I would assume has been hinged correctly etc. There is a damp 'tide mark' on the backing board, although the customer says it hasn't got wet, so we assume probably a damp wall. They want to retain the framing.

Well it did get wet as the problem is caused by dampness!

The only original framing I would return the print in would be the frame itself itself, the glass and possibly that mount slip, but I’d do my utmost to talk them out of all that too! The rest is absorbent.

Thank you all, I have contacted a conservator to see what they think. The customer can then decide.