Presenting a work of art in its correct
historic context and setting is an important part of the interpretation
that a Museum can provide. Selecting a frame based purely on aesthetic
concerns, considers the needs of an artwork only partially and can
potentially convey an unintended message.
Frame styles are a sub-set of
architectural and design elements of a historic period in a given
geographic location. The same prevailing cultural influences would have
also influenced the artist in the creation of his oevre and it is
logical to suggest that presenting a work of art the way it would have
been presented at the time of its creation, provides an ideal context
for the work.
This is the very reason, that period
picture frames are so highly prized. Not only for their intrinsic value
as hand crafted antiques, but also because the aesthetic, historic and
documentational value of a period painting in a suitable period frame
is far greater than the value of the painting plus the value of the
frame as two separate objects.
We at ConservArt, are continuously
involved in the study of period picture frame styles. Every opportunity
is seized to further our knowledge by documenting original period frame
designs.
Our frame conservation
department provides ethical conservation treatment for period frames,
consolidation, cleaning, removal of over painting, replacement of
missing ornaments and compensation of surface finishes.
We also make replicas of period
frame designs with such realism, that on more than one occasion the
client was unable to distinguish the new copy frame we made, from the
original antique we copied. Replica frames are far less costly, than
antique period frames and are an excellent way to present significant
paintings in a correct interpretive setting.
Since we are conservators of fine art we
are keenly aware of the damage that the use of incorrect methods and
inappropriate materials can do to cultural property. Consequently we
use state of the art archival conservation methods in our framing
treatments.
