Conservation Framing

Cody Fine Art Gallery offers custom framing to uniquely personalize and conserve your valued original artwork, as well as valued treasures. 

Conservation Framing is a method of framing that requires the highest quality materials and techniques to frame an object or artwork. This is a process that is always reversible; therefore the artworks integrity is never compromised. The main damage to fine artworks caused by framing techniques is due to the use of materials that contain acid, which over time can discolor, bleach and eat into artworks.

It is worth noting that the most common environmental damage caused to works of art particularly works on paper, is caused by light, artificial or direct sun light. This leads to bleaching of pigments and discoloration of papers. The best remedy to this problem is museum glass, with this glass it is almost like there is no glass at all. Museum glass has an ultra-thin coating on the glass that suppresses the reflection of visible light. This coating renders museum glass nearly invisible to the eye, allowing almost nothing to come between you and your ability to enjoy the beauty of whatever is in the frame. Museum glass blocks 99% of harmful UV rays from indoor and outdoor lights. Museum glass actually protects your artwork from fading, so your framed piece will last a lifetime.

Whether the value of the artwork is monetary, historical or sentimental the materials used are key in contributing and determining the longevity of any valuable work. An ideal environment is created using materials which protect the artwork from outside elements such as air pollution, dust, UV light, insects, and mold. All the techniques used must be completely reversible. This allows the artwork to be removed from the frame at any time unharmed. As a result, the longevity of the artwork is maintained for future generations to enjoy.

The use of non-conservation quality materials is often for convenience and cost cutting. What must be considered is the cost difference of materials, compared to the long term damage caused to a work of art. The initial money saved is insignificant when any treasured work is irreparable.  Oddly enough the amount of money saved is not notable by much anyway. Whether you buy artworks for pleasure or investment, they are not worth framing if they are not framed to conservation standard.