Frames for Drawings and Prints and Photographs

THE HINGING AND MATTING OF A PRINT
We have made two series of photographs to illustrate the process. The first is Making a Japanese Paper Hinge, followed by Installing a Print into a Window Mat.

[Launch Slideshow]

We take great care in framing works on paper. Our standard practice is to hinge with Japanese paper and rice starch paste, and to use only 100% rag matboard. We closely monitor both conservation research and the appearance of new products, such as the growing number of glass and acrylic glazing options.

Our choices for framing drawings, prints, and photographs continue to evolve and expand. We mount our own matboard, making 8 ply through 20 ply window mats. And we make frames in various materials and finishes, some of which are listed below.

Maple, mahogany or other hardwoods: With a natural wax or oil finish, or hand-painted in casein or acrylic, or spray painted in a wide range of custom colors
Aluminum or brass, with polished, matte and patinated surfaces
Gold leaf in many shades, and silver leaf

Most of our designs fall within the modern canon, though we often use period resources, such as classical and 17th c. Dutch mouldings and ornaments. The study of such frames has contributed great diversity to our design vocabulary.

Case Studies:
Elle Decor: A Master Framer