The Framers Forum

I've been asked to reframe an oil painting on board. No real prob but some questions.

The painting is to be hung on the 'wall' iside a Dutch Barge the gentleman is having built (who says there is no money about) so what would be the best way to ensure its longevity assuming a higher humidity? and a little bit of salt air from cross channel and coastal cruising. I'm probably goint to put it behind glass for protection as per the current frame but might mould might be an issue?

It looks like original glass as the surface is quite wavy, not smooth like modern float glass. can this be cut with a hand held cutter? I'm tempted to replace it with museum glass and not reuse it.

I'll find a frame moulding(s) to suit but what to do with the old one. It is not wanted by the customer, but I think is probably original or very close to. I would guess the date to be late 19thC.

(Artist name is Van Hulst, Dutch probably).

One further note. I am insured!

GeoSpectrum wrote:I am insured!

I think you will find your insurance will only cover risks such as fire, flood, theft etc.

If you mess something up by using an incorrect technique then that is what insurance companies refer to as "negligence" and they won't payout!

[quote="GeoSpectrum"].... but might mould might be an issue? quote]

I live on a narrowboat on the canals and the main defence I have found to humidity/condensation issues is to have very good ventilation.Whilst he is having it built make sure he has adequate vents built in to the front/rear doors and roof. Having a dry warm air source - from solid fuel stove - also helps. I may be wrong but I don't think salt air would make any difference to this.

If he has a problem and has 240v available he could try a dehumidifier to see if that could suck out the moisture and make a difference. (I have not bothered with this).

I have pictures on the 'wall' that have been up for 21 years - no mould!

Are you sure its an oil painting - It looks very blue - like its lost the magenta. I would look very closely with a magnifying glass.

If its old - and you are framing it sympathetically then I would reuse the old glass - doubt if its hanging inside a barge that its going to get a lot of light. Old glass shouldn't be too difficult to cut - I cut old glass frequently and rarely even give it a second thought - you occasionally get really thin stuff and sometimes it can be slightly curved (indication that its really quite old) you need to make sure that you support this well - and cut with as little pressure on the cutter as you can get away with.

That's a nice frame it's in Alan. In excellent nick as far as I can see, which is unusual for frames of that age. Worth hanging onto.

I think your man is right to put it in a different frame though. It really doesn't do a lot for that painting. I'd go toward a simpler profile in black. Maybe a slip in a silver-gilt effect.
I would definitely glaze it. You might be able to use the original liner under the glass, but it would probably look better in a cooler gilt.