Presenting a religious icon

[Davo]

Greetings everybody. I am after a bit of advice on how to mount a piece of religious artwork. Basically it is a piece of painted/gilded wood that is approximately 1.8 cm thick. I am thinking of putting it inside a box frame but I am looking for advice on how to attach the icon to the backboard without actually marking the artwork in any way. Any suggestions will be much appreciated.

[JFeig]

I have a client for which I have framed numerous Relic Cases.

I usually back the display with velveteen fabric. I cut an opening into the backing board (foamcore) to the size of the case and then pressure fit the case into the hollowed out area. In some cases there are rings attached to the cases and I will sew the case down via this ring for added security. A reverse bevel to the opening will allow for slight crushing to hold the object in place. Remember, if necessary, more than one layer of backing board can be inserted. If a loose flowing look is acceptable, the icon can be wrapped with the fabric and inserted from the back of the face backing board. Then pull the fabric through the opening and stretch to desired style of flowing fabric.... pinning or gluing the fabric to the hidden side edges of the top board.

[Roboframer]

Another idea is a floated frame.

Seeing as these things are mostly just framed - usually with no glass, then actually seeing the sides of the panel isn't an issue (if it is in your case then this won't work)

The icon can be secured with points in the normal way - and then you can attach the inner frame to the backing of your choice however you like - screws would be fine. A great opportunity to upgrade to museum glass, which is in this .......

DSCN2087.JPG

[Davo]

Thank you for the swift replies! I like the idea of using the foamboard and fabric. The icon does indeed have a ring on the back of it that I could use for extra security.
I am just starting out in the framing business, nothing like starting out with a 'challenge'!
Detroit Michigan? - I spent some time in Columbus Ohio at the end of last year, I hope the cold weather hasn't arrived with you yet

[JFeig]

We have already had a hard frost........... Thursday night at a high school soccer game we had freezing rain ARGH

[framemaker]

I you wanted to see the sides, another idea would be to use some fabricated acrylic mounts. The sort of thing this company makes is what I had in mind:

http://www.dauphin.co.uk/index.html

But if the surface is very delicate and maybe you can't have anything in contact with it, then JFeig's method is more suitable. Personally I like the idea of a little gold frame (with some volara rebate tape) around the icon and this then floating on a material covered backing in a gold box frame.

Or if you could get some acrylic offsets made (similar to the metal ones Lion do) secure the icon to a backing with the offsets and then cut a window mount the size of the icon, cover in material and then push this mount over the icon so the sides would again be visible.

[Davo]

Thanks for all the advice guys, much appreciated! Sounds like it is time to get rugged up Jerome I experienced the freezing rain whilst trying to fly home on Chrismas Eve!! Thanks to United, I got back in time for Chrismas dinner