Articles

In this section of the site we will offer a series of short articles relevant to the theme of limited edition prints. This will include advice on looking after your modern limited edition prints and similar guidance on an ad hoc basis for certain older item.The articles are numbered and are listed in numerical order under Contents.

Our clients however frequently have other items which may require special care such as textiles, metalwork, ceramics, paintings and items on paper etc. All collectors should be aware of the care and conservation issues for the items which they collect. Much has been written on the care and conservation of these items by museums, galleries and archives around the world and this research and publication is ongoing. This information can be researched on the web and a number of National institutions have published excellent summary guides which are available online.

Contents:

1. How should I look after my modern limited edition prints?
2. Framing and/or storing?


1. How should I look after my modern limited edition prints?

A print is potentially vulnerable to physical damage, soiling, fading, and physical deterioration.

Let me say at the outset however that with modern limited edition prints, fading and physical deterioration are not an issue, they will last lifetimes.

Fine art publishers today have a wide range of high specification papers that meet international standards for their composition. This ensures that they are stable and will have a very long life. Likewise they now have a range of light-fast inks.

This means that all limited edition prints from Fine Art publishers are produced using the high specification papers and inks and are therefore intrinsically well protected against fading and degradation.

When having your print framed specify nothing less than 'acid free' or 'conservation/museum' grade which which are standards clearly defined and understood by the trade. You have a valuable item - don't jeopardize its future or value!

2. Framing and/or Storing?

For framing, a print on paper requires a mount comprising a card backing panel and a cut out card mask both of which are in full contact with the print. The mount serves to support and set off the picture to best advantage.

This assembly will then be framed behind a sheet of glass and to the back will be added a rigid board which will be secured in place and then taped to seal the picture securely within the frame.

The backing and the mount must be a conservation/museum grade or acid free card. Otherwise acid will gradually attack and damage the print. Likewise the backing panel must also be of conservation or acid free quality board.

Framing your print in this way will protect it from physical damage, spillage, airborne dust and dirt, air pollution including tobacco smoke. Unprotected, a picture will very soon become soiled and damaged.

The choice of frame will very much depend on how it complements the picture, your taste and how it blends with your decor and other pictures. If a picture is not to be framed for hanging but stored, it should be mounted and backed as above and then acetate wrapped .

Unless bought already framed all prints held by Articulate Fine Art are protected, stored and sold in this way ready for framing or storage.

Although modern prints are produced using light fast inks which are highly resistant to fading, it is better not to hang pictures facing a large window and never so that they are in direct sunlight. It is the ultra violet range of the light spectrum which causes fading and deterioration and sunlight carries a massive dose - think of your own skin!

However, you can rest assured that these modern prints can be safely hung in most places in your home without risk of fading - I know because my house does have a lot of large windows!