Development Level Courses

Conservation Framing

Course Overview

This is an exploration of the general principles behind conservation framing. Those principles are then used to guide you in the presentation and framing of some artwork you have brought in.

It forms one session in our business development weeks being held throughout the country. You can book CONSERVATION FRAMING as:

• a one day course
• alongside any of the other elements of the Business Week as a sort of "Pick & Mix"
• as part of a full Business Development Week.

For information on the full Business Development Week please click: MORE. Alernatively search for a Business Development Week in your area.

It is run as a one day course, running from 10.00 am until 5.00 pm

What previous experience should I have?

It is expected that you will have already attended one of the Basics Of Framing courses and the Mount Cutting and Decoration courses.

Trainers will assume that you are:

1. Familiar with specialist tools used in basic framing;
   
2. Able to cut mitres in mouldings and know how to form and fix a frame
   
3. Know how to plan, mark out and cut mounts (preferrably double mounts) 

Of course, you may already have acquired these skills through another avenue

What will the course cover?

This type of framing project represents a top quality framing solution. The principles taught are based on the criteria demanded in Conservation Framing by the Fine Arts Trade Guild. As a consequence, the emphasis of this training is to develop an awareness of conservation requirements when framing.

You will learn about 4 important principles:

1. choice of framing materials;
2. creating a barrier to defined contaminants;
3. reversibility of any actions taken;
4.  handling and caring for artwork throughout the framing process.

You will follow a framing process where, at each stage, the implications of conservation requirements will be illustrated and solutions demonstrated. You will then put this into practice through your own framing project.  You will find that, as well as knowing how to frame more valuable pieces of work with increased confidence, you will acquire a whole range of skills, techniques and ideas that will help with many other framing projects.

Skills of specific importance in conservation framing will be developed. These include

• choice of mountboard for conservation;
• creating a mount package with a hinged window mount;
• methods of attachment of artwork (emphasis on being able to reverse a process, using minimal contact);
• creating a "sealed environment" for artwork (including glazing);
• adding a dust cover to the back of the framed package;
• providing a pocket for provenance or informationabout artwork

Cost includes all tools and materials supplied.

What do I need to bring with me?

You will need a piece of 2D artwork which you wish to frame with preservation and quality in mind.  Examples of what people often bring are:

• old photographs
• original waterolours
• items of sentimental / personal value (wedding photos, certificates etc)

Any 2D work will do and some people prefer to learn the principles with a simple piece of work and then frame the valued item in the same way, at a later stage.

Images must be A4 size or smaller.