Hawickman
CGF II, Certified Grumble Framer Level 2
Having just recovered from a four day break at Easter,I have was printing out some light bedtime reading from the "Acid free" and "Moderate preservation" threads when I was reminded of the "ultimate conservation method for the framing of watercolours", circa 1860-1870!
On two separate occasions,from two separate sources,I was given the oportunity to remove and remount watercolour drawings by J.M.W.Turner.
In each case I was required to remove from the fancy carved and gilded swept (closed corner) frame the 3"-4" wide gilded inlay (like a flat slip but with a rebate) and replace this with an off white/ivory/cream mount,suitably decorated with ink lines and a colour wash. I say "suitably decorated" because,in fact,these "Traditional wash-lines" never actually occured at that time.
In the process of removal of the inlay I discovered, built into the top rail of the frame a beautifully fitted, silk roller blind. Originally the silk had been black but had faded over time to a dull,dark green.
Just imagine folks, after dinner at the Big House, being ushered into the Picture Gallery to witness THE UNVEILING OF THE TURNER. Ah....Happy days!
On two separate occasions,from two separate sources,I was given the oportunity to remove and remount watercolour drawings by J.M.W.Turner.
In each case I was required to remove from the fancy carved and gilded swept (closed corner) frame the 3"-4" wide gilded inlay (like a flat slip but with a rebate) and replace this with an off white/ivory/cream mount,suitably decorated with ink lines and a colour wash. I say "suitably decorated" because,in fact,these "Traditional wash-lines" never actually occured at that time.
In the process of removal of the inlay I discovered, built into the top rail of the frame a beautifully fitted, silk roller blind. Originally the silk had been black but had faded over time to a dull,dark green.
Just imagine folks, after dinner at the Big House, being ushered into the Picture Gallery to witness THE UNVEILING OF THE TURNER. Ah....Happy days!