Frames and mounts

[sammysam]

I've just been given and old painting by my Granny and it is in need of a new mount and frame.
The water colour is a bit bigger tahn A4 all round and has a reasonable sized mount.
Is it going to be a fairly expensive thing to do? Is it best to take it somewhere?

Sorry I have no idea! Don't want to take it and then be horrified at how much it costs! (especially as we are trying to save at the mo!)

Do you live in London?

I would say around £60 somewhere like John Lewis. I know of a cheaper place in Camden - a mental health charity. Still be around £40 though.

Some places will cut a mount for you to size so perhaps you could get a standard frame from Habitat.

Have a look in Wilkos if you have one. They have loads of mounts really cheap (and frames). Or if you have a big garden centre with an art section, they usually have them too. There is also a chain of shops called ART that do frames (they're more pricey though)
I have found in the past that if the mount is right, then the frame looks better, so concentrate on the mount first.
Although it may not be something you want to attempt to DIY?!?!

I just got a print, A4 size, framed with a mount for 40 pounds from a local framers. It's a very simple frame though. I would go into a few and ask about prices, my local framers is really nice and helpful.

Thanks everyone!
Sounds not too bad.
As it is an heirloom painting I suppose I should get it done at a framer-i'll have to ask around and maybe wait a bit-£40-£60 sounds ok though. Also as it is an odd size maybe I shopuld leave it to the professionals!

You can ask about the archival properties of the materials they use - acid-free mounting paper, etc.

Sorry redadmiral just realised-No we are in Dorset!
What should I be asking for? Acid free mounting paper-anything else?

I'm not really sure, but if you google framing (posssibly archival framing) I think some of them will say about acid-free mounting tissue, and so on. I think it comes at a cost and I'm not sure how important it is, but worth asking about all the options I guess.

i had some photos professionally framed recently, and I'm sold - no more off the shelf frames for me!!

There is conservation glass that prevents the artwork fading. Also there is such a thing as non reflective glass that means you see the work so much clearer.

Redadmiral-i will definately look into the mount.
Thanks peasoup-that sound really interesting and worth asking about-although i'm sure they will come at a premium-any ideas on how much?

Hi Sammy S, That size watercolour usually about 50 pound to frame (London prices). Museum glass is non reflective, and has UV protection to prevent fading and is water clear which is a good idea for watercolours. Will add possiibly an extrea 30 quid to price though. An extra 10 quid would I think get you the UV glass only to prevent fading.

Thanks peasoup