Question Frame Questions, Strainers, Screws, etc.

  • Thread starter Thread starter spacegoose
  • Start date Start date
Create a Post
S

spacegoose

Guest
I went to a gallery show recently in New York City (Ezra Stoller, Beyond Architecture, at Yossi Milo), and was taken not only by the great work, but the quality of the framing and materials. I was attracted to how the relatively large 16x20" B & W large format (8x10 I believe) photographs sat in their white metal frames. And how the vertical sides, and maybe the horizontal ones?, had two screws. I hadn't seen frames like this before. Not sure if they were aluminum or steel.

I learned later where the framing was done, and from the framer that the manufacturer of the frames is Small Corp. Apparently the screws are for strainers.

How common are strainers used for this size work ... which I imagine is 20x24?

I understand they add stability / rigidity, and a place to add hanging hardware; any other purpose?

I actually liked seeing the screws in the frame. I think normally with strainers, they are hidden?

Do other manufacturers produce frames like this?

The frames exuded quality that seemed quite different from what's normally available in the usual framing shops (e.g. Nielsen Bainbridge).

Not being a member of the trade, I was not able to purchase from Small Corp.

Also, it seems their vendors in my area (NYC) do not carry the full selection of product.

Plus, I want to do it myself (because I am a DIY kind of guy), to learn more about framing, and of course to save money.

Would appreciate any alternative manufacturer suggestions, for similarly high quality frames, or alternative / at cost suppliers of Small Corp frames.

Thanks,
Bill
 

Attachments

  • smallcorp1.jpg
    smallcorp1.jpg
    31.2 KB · Views: 142
Wouldn't the vendors in your area not be able to order it for you? I am not familiar with these frames and don't see a close up so don't understand how they are different from other aluminum frames.
 
Those are welded aluminum frames that are powder coated white. Small Corp makes great frames. Any framer should be able to order them for you. Lots of framers use Small Corp. Or you can get aluminum extrusions and try welding yourself. It is not easy. But you can order the frames and fit them yourself.
 
These are like the old Kulick frames from the sixties and seventies. The glass/artwork/backing package drops in from the back and needs the strainer to hold everything together (unlike sectional metal frames which have a squared "U" shape which holds the artwork in place).
 
Ah, Thanks Mar!

I don't do business with Small Corp, but yes, I do agree on being able to get them for any customer. Try a local frame shop and have them order them for you. You should be able to get a fairly good price for just the frame, without fitting and so on. You might have to try a few frame shops as not everyone will provide this service.
 
05 said:
The 'strainer' holds the glazing, sheet, boards, etc. etc. in place; you can't shoot a framer's point into the metal frame itself.
Click to expand...


Thanks for all the info! The visible screws now make sense given the metal frame and framer's points. I still like them aesthetically.

So, these frames are welded?? Meaning they are more or less delivered full size?

Heard about Bark from a different gallery with similar frames. On calling them didn't get the sense they would sell frames without framing services.

I will ask around to see if anyone is willing to order a Small Corp frame for me.

Any idea on the particulars of this frame (from the image enclosed earlier, e.g. the lip, depth, etc.)?

What should I expect to pay for a Small Corp 20x24 frame like this, apparently powder coated white welded aluminum (with strainers, hardware, etc.)?

I will supply the glazing, art, mat, and board.

Thanks again,
Bill
 
You should expect them to be very expensive frames. Galleries use them since they can change out the images as new exhibits come around.
 
On wood frames they are angled in through the back. A variety of high end framer makers do this, yes you can do it yourself.

A Street Frames in Boston makes them too. They will probably run at least $25+ per foot.
 
Welded Aluminum Picture Frames Look So Nice : Why?

Thanks again for the info, I am curious why these frames looked so good to me.

I understand they're expensive, museum quality, etc. and maybe that has something to do with it.

I guess part of it has to do with the gallery setting, caliber of work, and framer's skill ... but I suspect a lot, or at least part, comes from the frames themselves.

So far I cannot put my finger on what exactly makes these frames look so much better from similar sectional frames? Maybe the frame forms, the welds, the powder coat, etc. play a role?

It's possible the gallery reuses the frames, but when I inquired about them, they said the frame came with the purchase of the photo.

I imagine selling out a show is not necessarily common, so reuse of frames is possible, but perhaps not 100%, in the case of works that sell.

Apparently these are the TIG 2 option. And they do come delivered full size (which can make shipping more costly).
 
I think the appeal of the welded metal frame is essentially a sleeker version of what makes a closed-corner wood frame so appealing: the unity of the structure and the seamless feel of the invisible miters lends a sense of luxury and almost a "cocoon-like" visual environment (for lack of a better term) for the artwork. These qualities are intangible to a degree and are almost more sensed than observed.
:cool: Rick
 
I love the Small Corp frames. I framed two pieces with TIG 2 recently, brushed sides/polished face. I also can't quite put my finger on why they are so great looking, but they are.
 
Thanks Kara. Rick, I think that was a pretty eloquent explanation, my suspicions are confirmed!


Thanks again,
Bill
 
It was very interesting reading this thread. It brought back many memories. When Superior was an infant, we were "full line framers" and did a great deal of framing for the galleries on LaCienga in Los Angeles. We once made "welded aluminum frames with strainers etc." The are beautiful and take a good deal of time to make. They are actually soldered not welded, but that just doesn't sound as good as welded, anyway enjoyed the memories.
 
Create a Post
Back
Top