When it comes to framing pictures, there are so many places to go and I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t really know what I’m looking for in a framer.
In the past, I have always gone to Elgin Framing at Christie and Dupont and have always been quite happy there.
When searching for custom picture framers, the advice provided online is to consider the amount of choice provided (colour, style, and material), quality of matting (PH levels), etc. I personally think that in addition to having options and high quality products, you should consider the individuals. Do they offer advice and suggestions, do they appear to care about your piece enough to do a quality job?
Recently, I was looking to do something with my father’s 70 year old summer camp pennants that had been hanging in my grandfather’s cottage for the same amount of time.
I researched different patterns for hanging pennants and decided to mount them in a circle. I went to Elgin framing who said I could save money by purchasing my own fabric and mounting them myself (they would then frame it for me). So, I went to Designer Fabric to get a linen fabric for the backing, Michaels for some pins to hold the pennants in place, and home to start on my project. After mounting the pennants and moving them a few times to make the circle a little smaller, I decided to price out the framing. I went to a variety of stores and was essentially told that to put the pennants in glass (especially UV glass) would be very expensive and my best option with be to put the fabric on a stretcher.
I started pricing out framers to put the fabric on the stretcher for me and was shocked to learn the prices ranged from $170 to $500. I went to one framer (who was on the less expensive side) and he really offended me. After telling me over the phone that he was very busy, but could help me with my project if I wasn’t in a rush, he had me come into his store and then told me he wouldn’t do my project because he had very valuable artwork around and didn’t want to store my pinned pennants. I was so offended. First, I wasn’t asking him to store anything. Second, I spent my time driving over. Third, while my pennants might not seem valuable to some people, my father passed away 31 years ago and these pennants from 70 years ago were a few of the only things I still had of his.
At that, I left his store and went elsewhere.
Ultimately, when looking for a place you can count on for custom framing, you should:
- take the time to first visit a few places.
- look around to see what options they have with their frames – Matting and mounting (including the grade of this material), Colour options, Glass/glazing options.
- ask questions to see if the framers will offer suggestions and to see if you agree with their ideas and choices.
- finally, get a feeling as to whether the framer would respect your piece; regardless of whether it’s of high financial value or high sentimental value (I would probably start by taking in something with minimal value).
Framing can be very expensive and it’s important that you’re happy with the final product and that your piece is protected.