Framing an Antique Print

[vintage frames]

How about a little picture-framing innocence.
A customer brings in a valuable antique mezzotint - The Blacksmith's Shop by Richard Earlom (after Joseph Wright of Derby)

The edges are torn and uneven so the first thing to do is trim off the excess paper and so gain an even border all around.
Then to prevent any annoying rippling, put it in the Hot Press and stick it firmly down to whatever sort of board comes in handy.

Now cover it with a nice clean white front mount.

For a frame, well jazz it up with a big faux antique goldie frame.
Tidy - as some would say here in Wales.

Fullscreen capture 05052026 63957 PM.bmp.jpg

The customer lived with it for a few years but all the time felt that something was not quite right.

So I made him a more period appropiate frame and had the print presented close-framed with the border hidden deep inside a wide rebate.
The profile is shaped in polished fruitwood and has a worn water-laid gilded sight edging.

One then takes it to Justin for some decent picture framing where he provided boards, glazing and fitting up behind the wooden paper wrapped spacers.

IMG_0031.JPG

Delicious cups of tea, a wander around his beautifully landscaped gardens and back to a now delighted customer.

[pramsay13]

I agree that the newer frame looks better but I'm not sure I can get on board with trimming and dry mounting valuable artwork.

[vintage frames]

No-no, not me.
I was only trying to recreate the scenario in the previous framers workshop.