Wednesday 31 March 2010

Tony gives a talk to Chilcompton Art Group

Last Wednesday the 24th, Tony was invited to present a talk about framing techniques and tips to Chilcompton Art Group. This was Tony's first public talk so he was a little nervous, but everyone made him very welcome with coffee and friendly faces!

His enthusiasm soon got the presentation off to a great start as he began a demonstration from scratch of the entire process of mounting and framing a print, with tips and advice throughout.

(Print used was 'Brilliant Water' published by 'The Art Group')


Mountcards are recommended both to protect the print from contact with the glass, and for presentation. Tony began by describing the different types of mountcard and their various qualities from standard core up to museum grade, and discussed the effect of colours when choosing a mount ...


How a strong colour matched from shades within the image can be overpowering and deadening...


Whilst a neutral shade leads into the image and does not distract from it. And combining the two colours in a double mount gives an added definition and looks great!


Next he demonstrated the correct way to attach the print to the mount using 'T-hinges' and which types of tape to use (not masking tape!)... He also explained how taping a print all the way round can make it buckle and ripple. Attaching the print by two tabs at the top only, lets the paper breathe, expand and contract without rippling.


He has attached the print to the undermount which is hinged with tape to the top mount. He also talked about the importance of an undermount as a barrier to protect against the acids and lignin that would leech through from the backing board causing artwork to yellow and fox...


Then, after cleaning the glass - a framer's tip... Tony uses cellotape (yes cellotape!) to 'sandwich tape' the glass, mounted print and undermount together - just a tiny bit along the edge that won't show under the frame's rebate.

As well as cutting down on the frustrating need to strip a nicely finished picture back out of its frame because an annoying 'bit' has magically appeared (after you spent so long painstakingly checking for them) it helps to prevent insects like thunderflies, dust and other pollutants getting in.

Then a quick fixing in with a framer's points gun... ( you can also use staples or very fiddly panel pins if you wish!)

And sealing the back with nice smart gum tape which also prevents dust and insects getting into the frame and is much better than masking tapes or wax tapes that will dry and fall off in time.



Tony advised D-rings rather than eye-hooks which push a picture out from the wall, attached about a third of the way down, and nylon low stretch cord rather than wire which has weak points that can break.


And Voila! One gallery-smart framed print, well presented and protected with the right materials and techniques!
Phew that was a long post! But all that remains is to say 'Thank you' to the Chilcompton Art Group for your lovely welcome and enthusiasm, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did...

( Brilliant Water is now displayed for sale in our shop in Midsomer Norton...)

1 comment:

  1. Looks like a fun day for all, you have some great skills Tony!

    Swan Artworks is looking good :) Hope you are all happy and well.

    paula x

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