before & after

A client arrived in the shop with a piece of previously framed art for a simple mat change.

Acid free mats and framing materials became readily available in the mid 1980s, so any art framed before that is probably in an acidic environment.  The acids can damage art, particularly works on paper.  One indicator of acids present in framing materials is if the bevel of the mat turns orange over time.  (See above)

Reputable frame shops (like mine) only use acid-free materials and archival mounting techniques to preserve art.  Below is the new mat (8 ply museum cotton rag), back in the original frame with the art now on acid free backing, as well.

the finished project

before & after

 Right, so I didn't do much here, just a new mat, but the art here is worthy of remark.  It is a signed and numbered vintage print by brilliant social realist, Ben Shahn.  I happen to have written a paper on Ben Shahn in college!  In my research I had seen small versions of this wonderful print.  This is a rare large version given by the artist to my client's grandmother.

 And later that week another client arrived in the shop with this original painting.

Someone in his family had purchased this painting in the late 1960s-early 70s.  It was stored away, and only now has the family come to find out it is by important African-American artist and Philadelphian, Columbus Knox.  (Above in its original frame)

We decided to frame it grandly, but in a frame with character.  (Below with linen liner)

the finished project

before & after

For other before & after transformations click HERE.