Why Have a Painting Reframed After Restoration?
Posted on: 9 September 2021
If you have an original artwork that needs restoration work, then don't forget about its frame. While your main focus might be on sorting out the picture itself, its frame might also be in need of attention.
While you can sometimes repair or restore problem frames, there are times when your best move is to replace them. When is this a good idea?
The Old Frame Is Beyond Repair
Old pieces of art can be extremely fragile. This applies to the frame as much as the painting itself. Sometimes, damage to a frame is pretty obvious. The frame might be broken, warped out of shape or even damaged by pests.
However, sometimes, you don't realise that the frame has a problem until you take it off the painting before you start restoring it. Some older and badly maintained frames simply fall apart once you remove them.
In some cases, you can restore the frame at the same time you work on the painting. You might be keen to do this if the painting still has its original frame. However, you won't always be able to do this. If the frame is too badly damaged to repair, then you might be better off putting on a new one.
The Old Frame Isn't Original
The frames on older paintings aren't necessarily original. They might have been put on the pictures after they were painted.
For example, if you own an older painting, then different owners might have changed the frame a few times over the years. For example, a newer frame might have been a replacement for the original if it broke or was badly damaged. Or, various owners might have decided to put a contemporary frame on the piece to match their own décor or stylistic preferences.
If a frame matches the style and period in which your painting was created, then you won't think twice about it. However, if someone switched the original frame after a few decades or even centuries, then you might see a mismatch. The style of the frame might not match the artwork.
If the frame has no intrinsic value and detracts from the overall piece, then it might be worth changing to a more suitable design at the end of your restoration project. For example, original art framing specialists should be able to build you a custom frame to match the painting's style, period and artist.
To get help deciding what to do with your painting and its frame, contact art restoration services.
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