Not all frames can or should be replaced. Bernacki & Associates provides conservation and restoration services for period frames as well as contemporary frames. Upon expert examination of a frame, the client is presented with treatment options with respect to the authentic design.

Frame Function

In most general terms, frames protect and visually complement the art that it houses. Original period frames of exceptional design are often considered museum objects in their own right. When displayed with an appropriate painting or work of art, they present the piece in its original historical context furthering the inherent moods, style and a general characteristic of that particular era and even geographic region, or artist movement. Those frames undergo the same protection treatment as other objects on display.

Frame Damage

Frames are susceptible to wear and tear as any other pieces while exposed to environmental conditions, regular handling, installation, transport, and storage. Frames are at particular risk of damage as they frequently serve as the point of handling of the flatwork that they protect. Often, when painting conservation is performed, the frame is also inspected for proper stability and treated accordingly.

The most common condition issues are: warping; separation, delamination, cracking, and flaking of gilded gesso and composite materials covering wooden surfaces; detachment of peripheral ornaments due to mechanical force impact; veneer delamination and veneer loss; damaged finishes; delamination of decorative inlays: mother-of-pearl, bone, metal, etc.; weak and unstable joints; water, fire, or smoke damage exposure. All the damage above can be addressed by specialists and is estimated based on time and materials.

Above: Before and after photos of a turn-of-the-century gilded age frame that suffered impact damage resulting in loss of the decorative ribbon, berry and floral ornamentation. The frame was first surface cleaned. The joints stabilized, and the surface carefully assessed and consolidated. The ornamentation was referenced elsewhere on the profile, cast, and altered and reoriented to integrate with the pattern. The cast ornamentation was then finished with gesso, a matching clay bole and gilded. Areas of previous damage from improper cleaning was addressed through gilding.

Above: Before and after photos of a 19th century carved wood mirror frame that suffered damage to select carved detail and exhibited splits at select seams. The splits were stabilized and then infilled with balsa wood. The missing ornamentation was hand carved and installed to replicate the areas of loss. The frame was surface cleaned. The recreated carvings were toned to integrate with the surrounding areas and a protective coat of wax applied and hand buffed.

Above: Before and after photos of an early 20th century veneered frame exhibiting veneer delamination, loss of veneer, staining, and discoloration. The lifting veneer was consolidated, the losses were infilled with a wood species similar in color and grain. The finish was conserved and a protective coat of wax was applied and hand buffed to achieve a uniform sheen.

Frame Size Alteration

Antique frames can be altered to accommodate a specific piece. Empty frames can be adjusted to accommodate other appropriate artwork as the collector prefers.

Frame Liner Replacement

New liners can be fabricated to accommodate a piece within an existing frame. If the liner is stained or linen degraded, the compromised fabric can be removed from the wood liner base, and the liner re-wrapped in an appropriate replacement fabric.

Backing & Hardware Replacement

Custom Buildouts

Often times a frame is too shallow to properly house a work and the piece extends out from the back. Custom buildouts can be added to the back of a frame to increase the depth.

Proper Hardware

During the treatment and assembly process, the hardware is always reviewed to ensure that it is secure and stable.

Backing Boards

When having a piece conserved, it is always recommended that a backing board be installed to protect the verso of a piece. For a nominal charge, the backing board provides a significant amount of protection. An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure.