FAQ's - What is Conservation Framing?
'Conservation framing' is a term used to describe the use of materials and techniques which provide protection to framed works of art on paper. There are different levels according to the quality and specification of the materials used.
Category 1
Minimum
This category provides a minimum framing standard for products aimed at the low cost or temporary display market. This category is suited to items of no commercial or sentimental value such as posters and open edition prints, or ready made frames into which a customer may place their own items.
Category 2
Decorator
This category provides a superior product to Category 1. Whilst cost is still a consideration, more emphasis is placed on improving the appearance of the finished product. This category is suited to items of no commercial or sentimental value such as posters, open edition prints and photographs.
Category 3
Quality
This category provides a level of protection against environmental pollutants and the effects of the degradation of framing products for a period of about 5 years in normal conditions. The category is suited to items of low to moderate commercial and/or sentimental value such as posters, open edition prints, photographs and some artwork. This category falls within the term ‘acid-free’ with a Ph level between 6.5 and 7 (Neutral). Our stocked readymade frames fall within this category.
Category 4
Conservation
This category provides a level of protection against environmental pollutants and the effects of the degradation of framing products for a period of about 20 years in normal conditions. The category is suited to items such as collectable works of art, limited edition prints, and items of historic and/or sentimental value. At this level all processes relating to the art must be fully reversible. Ideally a Guild framer or conservator should examine frames every five years. It is the responsibility of the framer to recognize when artwork may require special treatment from specialists such as art conservators and make appropriate recommendations to the customer.
Category 5
Museum
This category provides a level of protection against environmental pollutants and the effects of the degradation of framing products for a period of about 35 years in normal conditions. The category is suited to museum-quality works and artwork requiring preservation. This includes artwork of high monitory value and artwork of actual or potential historical value. At this level all processes relating to the art must be fully reversible. Ideally a Guild framer or conservator should examine frames every five years. It is the responsibility of the framer to recognize when artwork may require special treatment from specialists such as art conservators and to recommend to the customer appropriately.