period picture frames

[plasticpigeon]

Hello again. I have been looking at picture frame mouldings as I have just bought a rather nice original 1886 print of my home town called a "birds eye view of Birmingham"

All my local picture framers only stock mouldings made from expanded foam resin and finished to look like wood or metal or whatever. I think these look cheap. Does anyone have any leads for a place that sells mouldings or makes picture frames in a traditional style from wood. I am looking for an ebonised wood or dark oak kind of coloured frame. the print is about 3' by 2'.

 

[Keith Bowman]

Rather a long way from you but we use:

Nason Partnership, Boblow House, Water Lane, Helions Bumpstead CB9 7AN
01440 730774

Beautiful grade 2 listed house with a window in the middle of the three stack chimney as well!

There must be traditional framers somewhere in the midlands though.

 

[LadyArowana]

That looks like a nice print and so I would be a little cautious about taking a DIY approach to framing. A good place should be using acid free mounts etc and offer the option of UV resistant *glass* ( for a large print like this they would probably advise an acrylic because it will be significantly lighter to hang ). Whilst these all add to the cost and initially look no different to an ordinary job, over time you would see significant benefit. Non acid free mounts can discolor paper as chemicals leach out and UV is deathly to prints as the inks fade and the paper can change color. Sorry I can't recommend someone for you, but it will be worth finding a place and spending the money. If you have a good quality gallery they may be able to offer a suggestion.

 

[plasticpigeon]

I was thinking of buying some moulding and taking it to my local framers as there is no moulding that I like locally. He uses acid free backing and mounts and has filter glass. I think his framing is fine but I don't appreciate his taste when it comes to frame or mount suggestions. However I was planning to get the frame done by a business due to lack of time not because I want a superior job!