Try to keep your artwork flat and avoid rolling it before it comes to be framed. Please be aware that due to the nature of watercolour painting and papers your artwork may be cockled and not lie as completely flat as you wish. It is possible that the paper may not have been stretched prior to painting or it may have been stored poorly. Conservation framing will not always flatten out a painting even with careful hinging, and it is possible that it will make it more noticeable to you. Window mounting might help the painting lie flatter than float mounting.
Mounting
Decide how much of the image you wish to see and consider any signatures. Consider the width and colour of any window mount: traditionally, window mounts are used on watercolours and we are also able to offer hand ruled and painted wash lines and wash decoration on the mount if required. If you want to see the edges of the paper, you might consider having the image float mounted with a gap around this will require a deeper moulding or box frame using a mount or spacers to keep the glass away from the surface.
Framing
When choosing a frame, think about the style, period and feel of the image, and what might suit your interior and/or purpose. Browse through antique frames for a traditional solution, or choose a custom-made watergilt frame. Remember that larger images are going to need stronger frames to support them. The contemporary approach is to allow the painting to speak for itself and to avoid heavy, over complicated approaches which may have been the case in, say, Victorian times. Suit drawings to the period with a selected antique frame from our stock or choose a new traditional moulding and finish, we will always advise you here. Modernist drawings can look fantastic in decorative antique frames or simple limed oak for example.
Glazing
UV filtering glass and acrylic is available and always recommended for watercolours where colours may fade. If reflections might be a problem, modern anti-reflection glass can reduce them.
Conservation
Due to the problem of cockling, in the past many watercoloursand drawings were laid down to card i.e. stuck with glue or paste. The acids in the boards used often cause discolouration of the paper and spotting. Restoration and conservation of watercolours is difficult and not always possible – but where possible, and expertly done, can produce excellent results. Our paper conservator can often de-back watercolours that have been laid down and usually flatten paper if needed, and can assess any damage and advise on the appropriate way forward.
