Picture Framing Advice

Want to know more? » Contact April Hamilton

Using a combination of gilt, mirror, unusual mounts, braid and coloured washes will create frames that are works of art in themselves- and give prints and etchings a completely new dimension.

TRADITIONAL

• Gilt detailing can add an understated twist to a plain black frame
• Abandoning convention can produce striking effects. Such as pairing prints with an elaborate 19th century French gilded frame.
• Use two mounts and perhaps a silver-coloured frame to elegantly highlight a print.
• Using a second frame draws the eye in towards a print.

MODERN

• Mirrored frames can often look as pretty as the picture they contain. Use a narrow mount to divide the two and help focus attention on both.
• Allow an arresting image to take centre stage by combining it with a narrow box frame and wide mount.
• Back your image with some mounting board and float it in the centre of an acrylic frame held together with magnets.
• Frames can be covered using such materials as linen and in colours matching the image for a look of continuity.
• A simple but effective look can be achieved by using two small bulldog clips to secure an etching inside a gesso box frame.
• Try taking away the mounting board and hold the image in place using two layers of glass so that the wall behind the frame shows through.

ECLECTIC

• For an unusual look try layering pretty trims around an image or even displaying a treasured piece of china in a deep box frame.
• Seek out designs made from etched glass, mirrors, shells, or trawl antiques shops for clever finds, such as a camera film-holder to use as a frame.
• Contrast a delicate print with a rich silk background and a glamorous frame.
• Try using frames with braiding which can be coloured to coordinate with the image or frames with magnificent scalloped edges- very striking.