Why You Should Be Using London’s Best Picture Framing Services

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Picture Framing Is Just As Important As The Artwork – Here’s Why

 

The art you make is a big deal. A tiny spark birthed straight from your mind, becoming a blazing flame because of your hard work, time, and energy. That’s impressive. It deserves to live proudly, and be protected. That be on a wall or shelf,  others will  see and talk about it for years to come. 

 

If you want your art to have the best chance at longevity, you might need to start considering your physical protection options. You may have noticed that we love to curate exhibitions here at Dark Yellow Dot, and although the artwork alone is the real deal, sometimes the inclusion  of a professional frame can be the perfect finishing touch. So, where does an artist based in London go for their picture framing needs? Of course there’s always IKEA, but their budget-friendly options can scream rather than sing the perfect song for your masterpiece. That means if you want to level up your presentation game, you’ll need to explore the world of professional framing.

 

 

 

 

 

When you get the chance to hang your work (exciting!), take some care and if possible spend a tad more money by investing in some good mounting and frames. It really can make all the difference, preventing bad things from happening to the art (like screws slipping from crumbling wood, warped/cracked glass or loose frame corners) while it’s on display. Buy a good quality and well suited frame and make sure to add that to the sale price of your piece so you’re not losing out on any profit!

 

What can I put in a frame?

 

As some of the companies you’ll find below explain, the list of framing possibilities is almost endless! The range of objects put into frames stretches far and wide, from photographs to football shirts. Essentially, anything flat enough can be framed in different types of ways depending on its needs. 

 

If you have a slightly unusual project, it’s best to contact your chosen picture framing provider directly to discuss options. A lot of frame businesses (including the ones we’ve listed) work with your request on a custom-made basis, requiring a consultation. This is to ensure you receive the best quality protection and style for what you’re trying to frame.

 

 

How do I choose a frame for my artwork?

 

This isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly or rushed. But also try not to panic! Choosing a frame can suddenly become a very stressful situation with the endless variables you have on offer. We would argue that the key things to consider when shopping for a frame are:

 

• What is it that you’re framing? What materials?
• What is the size?
• Your budget
• Does it need protection? Glass glazing?
• Where will it be hung/displayed?
• Are their colours in the art you want to bring out?
• Are you going for a traditional or modern look?

 

If in doubt, it’s probably best not to overthink it and seek advice from your local framing expert. Whoever supplies you with a frame should have a wealth of experience and knowledge on what suits each type of art, so lean on their help! At the end of the day, consider what it is you want out of the frame and let that guide your decisions.

 

 

Can I frame a painting?

 

Paintings are a common art form that artists are always looking to frame, but can you actually frame them and how? This all depends on what medium the painting uses and it’s surface. Artist Anna Bregman goes into detail about the process on her website, but below we’ve outlined the basic answers to your painting and framing queries.

 

Typically, watercolour and gouache paintings are framed behind glass in a similar way to drawings. This is because these types of work are made with delicate paper and therefore require the additional protection that glass gives. 

 

Oil paintings, on the other hand, act very differently as you would expect. Traditionally, only the most vulnerable oil paintings in galleries or museums are fixed behind glass. This is because dried oil paint already offers a level of self protection through a hard outer film created by the oxidised oil itself. It’s also common for oil paintings to be varnished for their longevity, which leaves no need for a glass barrier! As well as this, framing a painting behind glass could actually cause damage to it. Moisture that becomes trapped behind the glazing could cause rotting over a prolonged amount of time, which is why a gap is left between the paint surface and the glass when glazing is absolutely necessary.

 

This information also applies to acrylic paintings despite their different chemical composition. Although acrylic dries a lot faster than oil, it still requires protection. Acrylic paintings can be very susceptible to heat changes, especially heat. When heated, the paint softens meaning any dust that has collected on the surface is actually absorbed into the paint. So does this mean that you should frame an acrylic painting behind glass? No, if we’re being honest. It’s much better to allow your painting to ‘breathe’ and avoid the trapped moisture issue than to shut it away behind a screen. For one, it may detract from the viewer’s experience. And two, simply keeping an acrylic painting away from heat sources and a gentle dusting with a soft artist’s brush is all that’s required to protect it for years to come. 

 

 

 

 

 

How much does picture framing cost?

 

With a question as broad as this, we recommend you do your own research based on what it is you’re trying to frame. So many variables will affect the pricing of a frame including: size, materials, mounts, shipping, packaging, labour, whether it’s ready-made, bespoke and has decorative detail or not. It’s important to remember all the different aspects that add up to a frame’s price point before being put off that they’re too expensive.

We do know that ready-made frames cost considerably less, as the manufacturer isn’t customising a frame specifically for you and your artwork. However, unless your picture fits into their standard, automatically set sizes, you will have to opt for something bespoke. 

In recent years, we’ve also seen a number of e-commerce businesses pop up offering online framing services. If you’re on a tight budget this may be a good option for you, as the high street framers cost more with their physical stores that need rent payments. Try to support your local framing business where you can though! 

 

How can I frame my artwork cheaply?

 

Shop around! As with most products and services; the first one you stumble across isn’t necessarily going to be the cheapest, or the best quality. If the artwork you’re wanting to frame is important enough to spend money on then it’s also worth researching for the best suited manufacturer. 

There is also the option of making your own frames. However, this DIY alternative usually doesn’t end up being cost effective once you factor in the tools, materials and skills you’ll need to acquire before even starting. As a working artist, you’re likely to have other important things to do in your limited time (including making the art you love!) so constructing frames might not be in your to-do list. If however, you’re needing frames regularly and you found some of the tools lying about your studio, then you could give it a go!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Where can I find a frame for my art?

 

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of companies in order of affordability to check out around London. We’ve included their current Google Review star ratings in case you wondered who the top rated picture framers in London were. Contact the ones that are local to you and see what fits in terms of your budget.

 

Happy framing!

 

Multi-purpose Framing Services in London

 

1. Rays Glass & Frames – Shoreditch – £ – ★★★★☆ (4.5 on Google Reviews)

Offering bespoke framing, cut to size glass and mounting with an impressive collection of commercial, interior design and exhibition projects in their archive.

 

2. The Brixton Framers – Brixton – £ – ★★★★★ (5.0 on Google Reviews)

All picture framing at The Brixton Framers is conservation grade with timber sourced responsibly, and they can offer same day service for an additional 25% fee.

 

3. Southbank Art Company – Southwark – £ – ★★★★★ (4.7 on Google Reviews)

A combination of simple but sleek readymade frames and bespoke services are available alongside a variety of other craft tools and necessities.

 

4. Antika Framing – Stratford – £ – ★★★★★ (4.9 on Google Reviews)

With many years of experience in gallery, museum and high-end framing, Anika Framing endeavors to provide a service for any project and budget.

 

5. North London Framing – Clapton –  £ – ★★★★★ (5.0 on Google Reviews)

With a display of over 250 samples, North London Framing cover all sizes, styles and prices with their range of bespoke, customisable frames. They also offer speedy turnaround times with their 24 hour service available.

 

6. Creative Picture Framing– Marylebone – ££ – ★★★★☆ (4.5 on Google Reviews)

A dedicated and knowledgeable team that tackles all framing projects including prints, canvases and even car parts! They also work alongside a partner gallery, Graham Hunter Gallery.

 

7. Nelly Duff – Shoreditch – ££ – ★★★★★ (4.7 on Google Reviews)

As well as running a gallery selling a collection of artwork from a community of artists, Nelly Duff operates a bespoke picture framing service for artworks purchased from their store or your own.

 

8. J White Framing – North Kensington – ££ ★★★★★ (4.8 on Google Reviews)

Alongside standardised framing services for art prints to 3D items, J White Framing also specialises in conservation framing to protect the most important pieces for years to come.

 

9. Metro Imaging – Clerkenwell – ££ – ★★★★☆ (4.3 on Google Reviews)

Using 40 years of experience, the team at Metro Imaging add giclee printing, photographic retouching and film scanning to their services as well as framing/mounting.

 

10. Mimi V Artworks – Balham – ££ – ★★★★☆ (4.6 on Google Reviews)

A small independent framing business offering a bespoke service including deep boxed objects and flat prints. Amongst picture framing, they also sell original fine art prints, posters and editions.

 

11. Soho Frames – Soho – ££ – ★★★★★ (5.0 on Google Reviews)

Professional framing, printing and mounting services available based in Central London but with delivery options, allowing them to reach customers on a global scale. This is further aided by their remote consultations and even 3D renderings of your specific environment.

 

12. Well Hung – Hoxton – ££ – ★★★★★ (4.9 on Google Reviews)

Based in the creative hub of East End London, Well Hung also serve as an art gallery and store alongside their bespoke printing and picture framing services.

 

13. FRAME London – Haggerston – ££ – ★★★★☆ (4.2 on Google Reviews)

A family run framing business which have proudly worked with organisations such as the V&A, ICA and the Royal Academy, specialising in the highest quality museum style picture framing.

 

14. Thou Art Framing – West Hampstead – ££ – ★★★★★ (4.9 on Google Reviews)

High quality bespoke fine art framing and conservation with hand finishes from their variety of wood choices, allowing customisable painting, waxing, staining or a natural style.

 

15. Brider & Bull – Stoke Newington – £££ – ★★★★★ (5.0 on Google Reviews)

A contemporary framing company based on years of experience, dedicated to producing simple, beautiful frames to protect your artwork for years to come.

 

16. The Only Place For Pictures – Islington – £££ – ★★★★☆ (4.4 on Google Reviews)

Bespoke framing services as well as a vast selection of gifts, cards and pictures serving the North London area since 1996.

 

 

 

Now you’re equipped with all the picture framing knowledge you could need, you’re all set to apply to one of our exhibition open calls. We can’t wait to see what you’ve created!

Also, don’t forget you can always share your art with us! Become the next Artist of The Month or tag us on Instagram @darkyellowdot. 

Thank you for reading and if you found this article useful, share it around, that makes us happy. To receive more posts like this and updates, join our mailing list, everyone is welcome.

 

 

NEED MORE ADVICE?

 

SITES TO HELP:

 

How To Make A Custom DIY Picture Frame

Frame Prices Explained

Framing Paintings Guide

Expert Advice To Design The Perfect Art Gallery At Home

 

ARTICLES TO HELP:

 

Preparing For Your First Art Exhibition

How To Make An Art Portfolio

How To Prepare For Your First Commission 

 

COURSES TO HELP:

 

Make Creativity Your Career 

Pinterest Marketing 101

Learn Adobe Photoshop CC