Frames - taking stock

My artist friend, Avish Khebrehzadeh, told me once that her mother used to say that a frame was like a good suit on a piece of art. I agree. A frame can either elevate a piece of art or distract you from its essence.  Every now and then it’s a good idea to take stock of the frames and matting on your artwork in your home (hanging or in the closet). The winter months are a great time to tackle this project for a few reasons. The frame shops have loads of rush projects through the holidays and then experience a bit of a lull. For many of us, we spend more time in doors during the winter making it an ideal time to evaluate your artwork and decide which treasured pieces needed some attention. 

Avish’s artwork wearing a good “suit'“

Evaluating the art in the frame

Good framing can be expensive so it’s important to take time to understand why you are (re)framing an artwork. Here are a few tips I’ve learned to help me make decisions:

• Do I really like the artwork or am I keeping it for another reason?  

• Does the piece bring me joy now and will it in the future? 

• Does the piece hold value to another member of the household?  

If the answer to the above questions are “yes,” then take the time to ensure the framing is elevated to the proper level of meaning the artwork has in your life. This is where you are matching the artwork with its proper “suit”. I promise you’ll enjoy the artwork more if it is housed in a frame that compliments the piece, and works in the space. It’s a bit like getting a favorite chair recovered.

A lovely work on paper with water damage on the mat and on the work itself.

Evaluating the frame

There are a few obvious ways to tell if the frame needs to be replaced and some that need a bit more attention. Here are some things to look for:

• Is the frame broken, chipped or flaking?

• Are the wires and hooks on the frame loose or broken?

• How does the frame sit on the wall? Does it lay flat or is it warped?

• Is the hardware visible when it is hanging?

• Does the frame adequately wrap the artwork?

It is also important to evaluate the frame in the context of the artwork and the room where the work will hang.

• Is the frame enhancing the artwork or detracting from it?

• Does the frame work with the feel of the space?

If you are not sure, you can take it to a frame shop for their expert opinion.   

This lovely frame is great front the front but the side view does not work.

Evaluating frame shops

A good frame shop will have a large selection of frame options and be able to guide you through the process of selecting a frame, matting, and the myriad of glass/plexi options. To find a great frame shop in your area, here are a few tips:

• If you need a high quality shop for a high quality piece with archival standards, find out what places the museums and galleries use

• If a more budget friendly, quick turn-around place is good enough, ask your friends and neighbors who they use

If you happen to be in the Washington, DC area, two of my favorite picture frame shops for special pieces are Frames By Rebecca and Archival Art Services. If you have ornate and gilded frames in need of repair, there is none other than Gold Leaf Studio. When you walk into Bill Adair’s Gold Leaf Studio in DuPont Circle, it’s a bit like a journey into an Italian artisan shop. For budget friendlier framing, I am a fan of Framebridge which has loads of stores around the US.

Art for the longterm

Taking inventory of the artwork you currently have is a great way to start the process of building an art collection of pieces you want to live with for the long term.   Keating Art Advisory is here to help on your art journey, from taking an inventory of your existing work to identifying new art acquisitions for your space.

Interested in working together? Contact us directly.