This is my first post on here, so I'll kick off with the obligatory silly first question...
I've been framing my own photographs for a few years, finishing off the back of each with flexi-points, tape and picture cord. Recently I've come across some picture framers making what looks like a second frame, installed after the backing board on frames with deep rebates. My guess is that this is to add rigidity, and to hang the work from, but I've not caught a proper look. I've only seen it on high-spec frames. I would like to learn more about this, but without a name for the technique would not know where to begin. Can anyone give some pointers?
Cheers,
Ciaran
Frame for a frame back?
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Ciaran
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sat 11 Jan, 2014 10:02 pm
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Organisation: CL Studios Ltd
- Interests: Portrait and landscape photography. Making black and white prints in a traditional darkroom, and picture framing. I also enjoy filmmaking.
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prospero
- Posts: 11695
- Joined: Tue 05 Jun, 2007 4:16 pm
- Location: Lincolnshire
Re: Frame for a frame back?
Hi and Welcome Ciaran. 
I think what you describe is what is sometimes called a 'strainer'. At least in the US. I call it a subframe.
As you correctly observe, it adds strength to a frame where the outer frame is a bit too flimsy to support the weight of the contents. The outer frame then serves just to hold the glass/art/back sandwich together and the torsion caused by hanging is removed and taken up by this subframe. Because it will not be visible (as long as the outer frame is of such a shape as to conceal it), it can be a as beefy as you like.
I think what you describe is what is sometimes called a 'strainer'. At least in the US. I call it a subframe.
As you correctly observe, it adds strength to a frame where the outer frame is a bit too flimsy to support the weight of the contents. The outer frame then serves just to hold the glass/art/back sandwich together and the torsion caused by hanging is removed and taken up by this subframe. Because it will not be visible (as long as the outer frame is of such a shape as to conceal it), it can be a as beefy as you like.
Watch Out. There's A Humphrey About
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Ciaran
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Sat 11 Jan, 2014 10:02 pm
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Organisation: CL Studios Ltd
- Interests: Portrait and landscape photography. Making black and white prints in a traditional darkroom, and picture framing. I also enjoy filmmaking.
Re: Frame for a frame back?
Thank you. The term 'strainer' is showing lots of useful information online. I'm basically working in two sizes, so figured it would not be too much extra work to make these sub frames in bulk during quieter periods, or possibly even to get someone to do them for me. Knowing the corners on narrow profiles won't fail, would be worth the extra time/expense. Thanks again.