About Mark Beach Expertise I can answer any questions about custom picture framing or any one of custom picture framing components, i.e. matting, glass, mounting and wood or metal frames. I can answer questions about proper framing techniques to preserve artwork. I can not answer questions about restoring artwork or the value of artwork.
Experience I have over eleven years experience in custom picture framing and nine years experience managing a frame shop. I have worked in every retail area of custom picture framing.
Education/Credentials I've trained under 3 indiviuals that have more than fifty years of combined expierence. I have attended several PPFA (Profestional Picture Framers Association) certified workshops.
Expert: Mark Beach Date: 11/20/2006 Subject: framing a 1923 lithograph.
Question Hi Mark,
I have a 1923 18x30 Maxfield Parrish (Daybreak) original print. It seems that these were not matted back then and I have been thinking of reframing mine with a mat. Any suggestions? Will this greatly reduce it's value? Should I hold onto the original frame in case I ever wanted to sell it? Or, should I just do what will be more pleasing to myself. (I doubt any of my friends would realize that these were not orginally matted.)
Thank you, Denise
Answer Hi Denise,
Let me start by saying that matting a print that wasn't originally matted will not reduce the value. Matting alone is not permanent it could always be "unmatted", if you will. In fact mats will help to preserve the artwork by keeping the glass from directly touching the art and the mat gives more space between the art and the frame. The last being important if the art is in a wood frame. Wood is very acidic and can cause permanent damage to artwork.
If the frame the art is in now is the original frame and of that time period you should keep the frame even if you decide to reframe the print. The resale value could possibly be much higher with the original frame.
My last thought is that while art has a monetary value the real purpose is to enjoy it. If you will enjoy your artwork framed differently then I would go for it. At the very least you need to take it to a reputable frame shop in your area and make sure that it is framed in a conservation manner. Unfortunately up until just a few years ago conservation of artwork was given very little thought when framing. You need to make sure that it has conservation glass this will block about 98% of UV light. That is what does the most damage to artwork. Next make sure the glass is not touching the art. If you decide in the end not to mat it there is some thing called frame space. It is a small plastic tube that goes into the lip of the frame between the glass and art. You will also need to make sure it has a foamcore backing and not something like cardboard. Just doing those little things will go a long way in preserving your print.
Denise, I hope this helps. If you have any other questions or if you need more clarification on anything I said here please let me know.
