AboutSara Tro Expertise I am a professional custom picture framer and designer. I have experience in all areas of
picture framing, and own my own custom framing shop. I can answer questions relating
to the design of a piece, the preservation of the artwork, color theory, photograph
restoration, decor, art placement, room balancing and installation questions.
Experience I have owned my own retail custom frame shop for 5 years, and managed a high-end shop before that for 5.5 years. I worked for a professional restorer and archivist for 8 months prior to the management position. I am also a fine artist myself, with a BFA in Photography and Printmaking, and have been framing my own work for years and years.
Education/Credentials BFA Fine Arts, NYSCC at Alfred University, NY
Expert: Sara Tro Date: 10/2/2007 Subject: framing cross-stitch
Question Sara
I have an antique cross-stitch sampler that my grandmother did around the 1920’s. It is surprisingly in great shape. What is the proper way to frame it keeping conservation in mind? I would like this piece to be around for my children and my children’s children. An elderly lady in my church told me not to use glass on it that that would ruin it. Is that true? Any advice that you could give would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Frank
Answer hi frank!
thanks for the great question! It sounds like you have a beautiful piece to preserve, and I'm glad you asked about it!
so, the main "issue" with textiles/stitched work is moisture. Most Framers will give you a different response to this issue, which can get confusing. My normal MO with an antique is to find out a few things from the client, like where it will hang, etc..
so, glass, if you decide to utilize it in the framing and preservation, will help protect the piece from dust, bugs and other environmental contaminants, and will also protect the piece from UV and Harmful florescents. However, glasscan also trap moisture in the piece and in the air inside the frame package, and soil its hung in a place where it wil get direct sunlight, the temperature fluctuations make condensation happen inside the piece,which will lead to mold issues later on. This is why some Framers, and your friend, say that glass ruins the piece.
so, long story even longer, because its an antique, my recommedation would be to used conservation grade glass or museum glass, all acid free materials ( such as the matting and backing), a spacer to aid in air circulation, seal the frame with frame sealing tape, and then control the environment it hangs in very well. I would hang it in the most consistent place as far as temperature, light level and moisture level goes, (like a hallway), and also check to make sure there are no water pipes that runs through the wall behind the piece. (that may sound like something to over look, but for the longevity of the piece, its worth digging out old plans for the house or at least tapping on the wallwuth your knuckle! I have seen sad and serious damage to vintage pieces that rot from the back due to being hung near a hot water pipe).
I think adding the glass now will protect it from dampness, mites, sun and environmental damage, and it should last generations if it can be treated consistently. If you fear that it won't get consistent temp and light, or fear you can't control that, then I'd consider framing it without glass, and hang it in a very dimly lit place. You could also take it to a textile conservator who could prepare it for storage for you, but then you wouldn't get to enjoy it as much.
I hope this helps....
please feel free to write again with more details that could help me make a more concrete recommendation, like whether the piece is very vibrant, darkin tone, stretched onto a board if any kind, etc....
thanks and good luck!
sara
