Bespoke Framing @ Celebrity Autographs

The Bespoke framing of unusual objects is what we excel at, each finished display is the result of detailed consultation with the client. This can be done in person at our workshop, or alternatively from the comfort of your own home. Visualisations, images and moulding samples can all be emailed or posted ensuring you the client are involved throughout the design process.

Choosing the right frame: what your money buys
You may think you want the cheapest frame but remember that low-cost framing can actually damage your picture. Some items should be protected for future generations. We will be able to advise you on the appropriate level of framing for your artwork - and will know how to make even a modestly priced print look its best.

The Five Levels of Framing
You have a choice about how much or how little you want to safeguard your item There are Five Levels of Framing for you to choose from as the following summary explains:

• Museum – The ultimate protection for your item.
• Conservation - Helping preserve your item for future generations.
• Commended - Guarantees a degree of protection, with design playing an important part.
• Budget - Visually pleasing, but offering no long-term protection.
• Minimum – Putting economy first.

Shirt framing
It’s important to stress that no two shirts are the same, we treat every shirt on an individual basis. Generally shirts look better the darker the background they have. For example an Arsenal shirt looks best on a black background. The club colours of red and white are then integrated into the top mount. Adding photos and a plaque can really turn a fairly average shirt into a really interesting presentation. We use specially designed double rebated frames which allow the shirts to be recessed away from the glass without the need to creating costly box frames. Hand painted or printed mounts combined with programmes & tickets all help to produce truly unique items. This is intended to give a broad overview of shirt framing.

Display cases
Display cases offer a wide range of solutions to some of the more unusual items of sporting memorabilia. A typical wall mounted display allows for a much wider field of vision compared to a conventional frame. Acrylic holders can be designed for specific objects such as programmes or a shelf to hold heavier items such as trophies. Not all our cases are bespoke, an extensive range of standard cases are available for various objects such as balls, boots, boxing gloves. They come with a choice of coloured bases allowing them to be matched to your club.

Cricket bats
Few things attract more attention in our workshop than some of the cricket bat displays we have produced. The main thing to bear in mind is the depth of frame required this can only be achieved effectively using a box frame. The combined effect means a typical bat display will protrude from the wall 90mm (3.5 inches).

Two dimensional framing
The framing of prints, photographs etc. can really be brought to life with some imaginative ideas. We stock over 120 mouldings and 40 different mountboards but the choice from our suppliers runs into thousands. We are constantly striving to source new innovative materials and techniques. If you are looking for ideas you can visit our workshop. It would be impossible to have a price list because of the many variations available, so please contact us and we will be happy to talk you through the options and give you an indication of price.

Out of the light
Try not to hang pictures directly opposite large windows as sunlight fades colours and discolours paper. Special UV-coated glass can help to slow this down. The Fine Art Trade Guild has set industry-wide standards for printing and framing materials. Contact us for more information about the ways in which you can preserve your artwork for the long-term.

Avoid heat
Ideally pictures should not be hung above radiators. Extreme or rapid changes in temperature cause paper and wood to warp and dry out and adhesives to fail.

Beware damp
Damp can cause pictures to ripple. If the ripples touch the glass, the picture might stick and be hard to remove. Damp also encourages fungal growth - likely to show as brown stains. Conservation framing can slow these effects, but it is always best to avoid hanging framed pictures in humid conditions. Allow six months before hanging pictures on newly plastered walls.

Eye-level display Remember most pictures are designed to be viewed at eye-level. When hanging a group of pictures of different sizes align the top edges. Groups of pictures need not be hung in symmetrical patterns, but they should follow some sort of overall design. Try arranging them on the floor first.

Hang securely
Use two hooks on the wall, each set about a quarter of the way in from either side of the picture. Check that the cord, wire or other hanger you use is designed to support the weight of your artwork. Where safety is critical, in children's bedrooms, for example, ask your framer about security fittings and glazing.

A gentle clean
Dust frames or treat with a soft brush, rather than risk applying water or cleaning fluids. Don't use cleaning fluids or water on the varnished surface of oil paintings; again dust carefully. If cleaning fluids have to be used on the glass, apply them to a duster first (rather than spraying the glass directly); take care not to let the fluids touch the frame.

Handle with care
When carrying and transporting a picture, grasp the frame firmly on both sides. If you have to store pictures, make sure they are stacked vertically and the right way up. When stacking pictures, stand them 'glass to glass' so that the hangers do not damage the frames.

Regular checks
If you find any evidence of discolouration, unsightly brown dots, small insects under the glass or that the brown paper tape sealing the back of the frame has come unstuck, return the frame to the framer. Check for corroding picture wire or weak or loosening cord. The varnish on oil paintings will gradually discolour, especially if the picture hangs in smoky or polluted conditions. It should be replaced as it dirties.

Oil paintings stretched over wooden bars may sag over time and the bars can make a slight imprint on the front of the canvas. Take the picture back to your framer for tightening or re-stretching. The Fine Art Trade Guild recommends inspection every five years.