Under the Hammer—In Frame
A Guide to Preserving and Showcasing Your Art
Welcome to 'Under the Hammer' by Webb’s—an educational series that offers a deep dive into the captivating world of auctions. From art market insights to the rarest vehicles and most coveted handbags, we guide you through every facet of the auction world, sharing expert knowledge from New Zealand’s leading auction house.
In Frame: A Guide to Preserving and Showcasing Your Art
Framing is more than just an aesthetic choice; it’s a crucial aspect of art preservation and presentation. Whether you're an experienced collector or a new buyer, understanding the principles behind professional framing can enhance both the longevity and visual impact of your artwork.
Here we give you an overview on the essentials of framing—from material choices to technical considerations—to help you make informed decisions when it comes to buying art.
The Purpose of Framing: More Than Just a Border
Framing is not just about making a piece look good on your wall—it’s a safeguard for your artwork. Environmental factors such as light, humidity, and dust can degrade a work over time, so displaying it safely within a frame (particularly behind glass) can help protect your investment. A well-chosen frame can also enhance the look of your art work by giving a polished, tidy finish without detracting from the work itself.
Choosing the Right Frame Material: Wood, Metal, or Acrylic?
The material of the frame can drastically change the feel and longevity of the presentation. Wood offers a classic, timeless appeal, while metal frames provide a sleek, modern look. Acrylic or plastic frames can be a budget-friendly option but come with trade-offs such as lack of integrity over time. The choice of frame really comes down to your own taste and budget, however at Webb’s we always encourage you to go for the best quality frame option you can afford.
A before & after example: The art team at Webb's had A. Lois White's, "Bathers" painting reframed, which sold for $78,088.59 (including buyers premium) at November 2023's Works of Art auction. Reframing this artwork with a contemporary frame and mat board improved its preservation and made it easier for people to visualise it in their homes, enhancing the timelessness of the piece. For artworks of this value, it is important to use the best archival materials to keep the work in pristine condition as well as protect the collectors' investment.
The choice of frame really comes down to your own taste and budget, however at Webb’s we always encourage you to go for the best quality frame option you can afford.
A tray frame gives the impression that the artwork is floating in space within the frame, rather than having a flat appearance.
The shape of things: What are Tray Frames?
A tray frame (also known as a floating frame) gives the impression that the artwork is floating in space within the frame, rather than being flat against any of its surfaces. They are typically used for canvas works and sometimes paintings on board; leaving a small aesthetically pleasing gap between the work and the frame. This can be a great choice if the edges of the work are painted by the artist or the subject of the painting reaches right to the edge of the frame. However if the edges of the work are uneven, unpainted or very fragile, such as board, you may wish to use a frame that covers the edges.
Archival Quality: Protecting Your Art for the Long Haul
One of the most critical aspects of framing is the use of archival materials. Acid-free backing, mats, and tapes ensure that your artwork is protected from chemical reactions that can cause yellowing or deterioration.
To Mat or Not to Mat: The Role of Mat Boards in Framing
Mat boards do more than just provide a visual border around your artwork—they protect the piece by creating a buffer between the art and the glass. This section explains when to use a mat board, the various styles available, and how to choose the right colour and thickness to complement your art. In some cases, a minimalist approach with no mat board might be preferable.
An option that is becoming increasingly popular is the use of float mounting/spacers—this gives a dramatic 3D look and shows of edges of paper nicely, for example if the work has a deckled edge (a feathered look to the paper). Spacers also create a gap between the artwork and the glass, preventing condensation and smudging. They’re particularly important for delicate media like pastels or charcoal.
Before and after: This 1995 "untitled" artwork by Séraphine Pick, was updated from having a mat board to this minimalist frame with a floating mount.
Glass Options: Standard, Non-Reflective, or UV-Protective?
Not all glass is created equal. Standard glass may be the default option, but non-reflective glass can reduce glare, and UV-protective glass helps prevent fading caused by sunlight exposure. At Webb’s we almost always recommend the use of UV-protective, museum-quality glass, especially for high value works.
There is a large variety of glass to choose between when framing your artwork; Webb’s almost always recommends that you choose a museum-quality glass, especially for when you are framing high value works.
Artworks on display at Webb's Mount Eden Gallery. Many artworks are reframed prior to auction to improve their longevity and presentation
When Should You Reframe Your Art?
Over time, frames can wear out, materials can degrade, and tastes can change. Here are the two main reasons you might want to consider reframing your work:
· UV light, heat, pollution, environmental factors and poor materials can all impact a frame’s integrity over time. Once the frame and mount deteriorate, the artwork can also start to suffer ill effects, so it’s really important to check your pictures and frames regularly to ensure that they are still in good condition.
· It's perfectly reasonable to replace a frame that you don’t feel suits either the work of your personal aesthetic, in fact, reframing can totally change the feel of a piece of artwork or give new life to one that is looking a bit tired. The only caveat to this may be if the frame is original and/or lends itself to the provenance and overall value of the work. In this case you can speak to one of our specialist team about frame restoration or other options.
Why Some Art Is Framed Behind Glass and Some Isn’t
Understanding why certain works are framed behind glass while others are not is crucial for proper framing. For example, watercolours, pastels, drawings and prints tend to be fragile mediums on equally fragile papers, so keeping them behind glass is crucial for their longevity to prevent fading over time.
On the other hand, oil based paints can form moisture under glass and eventually leach onto mountings, so it is generally recommended to avoid the use of glass here. Acrylic works on board or canvas will be quite hardy and their colours will remain vibrant over time even without the use of glass. A quality framer will be able to talk you through the best options for your particular work.
In Ralph Hotere's artwork 'Black Window Towards Aramoana,' the artist has incorporated the frame as an integral part of the piece. Crafted from a villa sash window frame, this specific frame contributes significantly to the artwork's meaning and value. In such cases, reframing could diminish the artwork's worth, and each situation should be evaluated individually.
Cost vs. Value: The Expense of Framing and Why It’s Worth It
Framing can be a significant investment, especially for custom jobs, but the cost is often justified by the protection and aesthetic enhancement it provides. If you are investing money in the art work itself it makes sense to protect and enhance with the best quality frame options available. Webb’s works with a small number of trusted framers across the country and we are always happy to refer you to these experts.
This huia feather exemplifies Webb’s proactive approach to reframing. The feather arrived unframed and the specialist team recognised that it required permanent protection with archival framing.
Initially estimated between $2,000 - $3,000 in the "Material Culture" Decorative Arts auction, it sold for a remarkable $46,521, surpassing the previous world record by 450%.
Webb’s specialist team carefully selected the colour and materials of the mat board, backing, and frame to highlight and preserve this significant artefact for future generations to come.
Artworks framed in a variety of styles from our recent Works of Art auction.
Framing is essential not only for aesthetic appeal but also for preserving and presenting your artwork. It protects against environmental damage and enhances visual impact, making it a crucial aspect of art care. From selecting the right frame material to understanding archival quality and glass options, the right framing can significantly affect the longevity and presentation of your art.
If you're looking for expert advice on framing or need recommendations for framers in Auckland or New Zealand, or if you want to discuss bringing an artwork to auction or finding the right piece to buy, please get in touch with our art team. We’re here to provide personalized assistance and ensure your art receives the care and attention it deserves.
Before & after: The art team at Webb's decided to have Pat Hanly's "Figure on the Floor (Energy Study)," reframed, which contributed to its sale at the August 2024 Works of Art Auction for $75,250 . The artwork was transitioned from a small gold frame to a spacious white frame, creating a stronger connection to the white within the piece and allowing the vibrant colors to stand out more, further enhancing its visual appeal.
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