The Framers Forum

Hi Everyone,
I was a press photographer for many years and learn how to frame
from my wife's uncle John Irwin who owned the Warrington Framing Company (along with his brother Harry), unfortunally he had to retire at the aged of 81 due to his eye site failing or he would have carried on to get the record as the oldest framer!
I now do framing along side social photographer at http://www.brianjung.co.uk and my wife's gallery. I would like any info is possible on how to frame rope knots, we have a customer who has done 18 knots and have tried to find out the best way to mount the rope to the mountboard but I can't find any answers.
Also we have had in a cigarette stained tapestry and they would like it cleaned up, are there any DIY options or do we say it's best to go to a expert but they I know they would not like to pay the price.
with thanks,Brian

Hi Brian, welcome to the forum. (Not long ago since people were saying that to me!)
Nice website!

Simple answer from me - I'm sure you will get more ideas from the more experienced crew on here.
For the rope knots I would sew them to the backing board using invisible thread or thread of the same colour as the rope.
I wouldn't touch the clean up of the tapestry myself and would look for the customer to get it done themselves. Be interested to know if there are any DIY answers though.
Regards
Gus.

Hi Brian,

Welcome to the forum. Nice to have you on board.

Since you are coming down for the hand finishing course, I might be able to show you how to do this while you are here. How big is your tapestry and what sort of tapestry is it?

We will need to fit it into a suitable fluid tight container and buy enough cleaning materials for the job, hence my question about size and type of tapestry.

Good Afternoon Brian

Welcome to the Forum.

My advice to you with regard to cleaning your tapestry is to leave well alone however, should you wish to attempt to improve its appearance then take it to a conservator. There are numerous hidden problems that could manifest themselves during any cleaning process especially when attempted by those who do not have a qualification in conservation. Just consider it takes a conservator a minimum of three years to get their qualification!

For a textile conservator try the following http://www.icon.org.uk/ then select 'Find a Conservator' then follow the instructions for textiles.

I have worked with many antique samplers some dating back to 1723 and whilst I have done some cleaning (light vacuuming)to my own collection however, I would under NO circumstances apply cleaning DIY (experimental) techniques and especially if you value the textile.

Enough said - hope this helps

Kind Regards

Mal

hear hear Mal, well said