Antique Picture Hanging System

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Ann G. Hepp

Grumbler in Training
Joined
Aug 27, 2002
Posts
13
Loc
Knoxville, TN
I would like information regarding the old fashioned picture hanging system which used picture moulding attached at the top of a wall (where we would now use crown moulding) and decorative s type hangers which hang over the top of the moulding which in turn would hold the decorative cord, ribbon, wire etc. that would then attach to the back of the picture which would hang at eye level. This type of hanging system is currently being used in old remodeled homes for authenticity. Any information regarding this product and where I could purchase it would be greatly appreciated.
 
Anne,

I don't know too much about the antique version, but there is a company that does a modern version of that. Can't think of the name, but I've seen them in Picture Framing Mag or Decor. It's probably not exactly what you want, but could give you some ideas.

Good Luck!
 
Any full line hardware store should have the picture rail hooks you are looking for. As far as the wire, cord, etc. I guess a fabric store that specializes in upholstery fabric would be a good choice. I have a place I use here in LA, but that would be of no help to you!
 
If you are looking for the moulding itself you would have to go to a lumberyard that specializes in trim moulding for houses. It's usually made to match or coordinate with the rest of the trim in the house. It's typically not a "picture frame" moulding like we usually deal with. I believe United sell the hooks for it and you can use any wire or ribbon you like although it seems to me I remember seeing brass sash chain used quite often. That you can get at the hardware store. Another choice is the use of brass rods with sliding hooks that United sells. This is a better choice in my estimation. I think it looks classy and the artwork doesn't lean out from the wall as badly as hanging it with wire or chain causes. If you do go with wire move the D-rings on the back of the frame as close to the top as you can. This will help the leaning out problem somewhat.

If you're installing the moulding yourself be sure to use nails or trim head screws directly into the studs (every stud if possible) as people have a tendency to hang some pretty heavy things from it. I saw a 4'x6' mirror that had to weigh at least 100lbs hanging from that moulding once. Scared the heck out of me. Also the traditional location on the wall was about a foot or so below the ceiling, not up tight like a crown moulding. Of course the ceilings were often 9-10' high back then. If they used a crown moulding too they often dropped the picture moulding even lower. Have fun!
 
Ann, Van Dykes Restorers has frame moulding hooks and chains. (I will be in West Knoxville tomorrow. If I have time I'll bring my catalog by for you to see.)

I also take Old House Interiors. I will keep my eyes open for ads for them.

Betty
 
UNITED MANUFACTURING CARRIES THE Old style picture hangers we buy them for our Historical society. CALL THEM they come in several diffrent colors

[ 04-16-2003, 11:24 AM: Message edited by: GUMBY ]
 
Ann,
Sorry it has taken me so long to reply. As earlier answers indicate, you can get both the rail hooks, and the fabric covered wire with rosette from United. You can also make your own by running wire through the thick cord, but this is not all that easy, as it comes out rather lumpy on the first few attempts. Some fabric stores carry the cord with wire already in it.
Victorian homes had very high ceilings, from 9-14 feet around here. The pictures were usually hung higher than we do today, and therefore they were made to hang out at a slight angle, so as to be easier to see. If you have ever repaired any old frames from that time, you will see how close to the center of the side rails that the wire is attatched. I have a really great book of actual photos of Victorian home interiors, and this leaning out can be seen in these photos. Interior photos from that era are rare, because of the lighting problem. They had to have very long exposure times, apparently, to capture the images. Cool!

Leslie
 
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