FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
We try to make the experience as easy and pleasant as possible. Usually we encourage clients to give as much input as possible – what you expect from the piece, what you prefer in style etc. ( for example where you expect to hang it – does it need to be larger than it is – what kind of protection will it need ) Our role is to guide and teach what is necessary to protect and preserve your artwork. We will provide you with options that suit your personal aesthetic and provide you with choices that also fit your budget.
Conservation Framing involves three things – not altering the artwork, it must be reversable and must preserve and protect the artwork form damaging elements.
Short answer NO. In appearance, YES. Let us explain.
Our prices are standardized and are at National average. We are proud to say that as a result of our purchasing power, we can actually offer very competitive pricing. The products we sell are considered the best in the market. For example, we do NOT sell plastic or foam base frames which visually are the same but are obviously not the same quality products. Additionally, we purchase from manufacturers who are environmentally responsible. That said, frame shops who consider themselves our competitors will say they are “cheaper” when in fact they are offering less for less. We only offer conservation framing, and it is offered at a very competitive price AND that work is guaranteed. We know that is unique.
These are meant to preserve your artwork long term. They are truly the best investment for your artwork or family heirloom.
We do realize at times clients can shop at competitors. Our experience in these matters has been twofold. Either the end result is not the exact same product and materials, or the quality of work is not up to our standards. We welcome competition, but stand by the high standards we have set for ourselves. We will also not reduce our prices just to undercut our competition. We respect our clients and our vendors as well as the pricing structures we have in place. They are fair and our work will follow suit.
YES! We can customize just about any frame we have in store to any custom size to fit your needs.
Our standard turnaround fluctuates between 2-3 weeks. We have a great POS system in place which allows to track all of our projects, which, by the way are all completed in house. Some of our mouldings are hand made and do require gold leaf or welding (steel or other metals) which by law we cannot do in house in Manhattan. We have an amazing team of partners in the 5 Burroughs who work with us, and because of this extended work, these will require between 4-6 weeks to final completion. However, only the frame is completed off site. Your artwork always remains here and the project will be assembled in our facility on 9th avenue.
Due to the nature of our work being fully custom, we do require full payment at point of sale. This has been our policy for 36 years.
We partner with a variety of companies who can handle delivery.
We can certainly recommend someone to hang your artwork.
Over the years, we have surrounded ourselves with some of the best paper, fabric and art (canvas or panel) conservators. They are happy to assess your art in our studio and we can facilitate restoration services.
In most cases, we are happy to help. Our POS system allows us to put in basic dimensions and products. We consider this a starting point and we will always encourage you to come in or if it’s difficult for you to get in, to have your art sent to us for evaluation. Obviously – we need to see artwork and measure it to be certain of certain details, so a quote is just that.
In many cases, yes. Sadly, in some cases a frame can’t be repaired. We need to see the frame – and actually manipulate it to understand its integrity to make that decision. Photos help, but are not enough to make a sound decision. We kindly ask that you come to our studio for us to make that final decision. However, changing out glass or matting is usually relatively easy – as long as the frame is sound – meaning the corners are strong enough to withstand being taken apart and being rebuilt.
Paper isn’t always flat. In many cases, for example with watercolors, the paper has received excessive moisture and has most likely buckled. Photography, vintage or modern, also has moisture either from having been put into a bath (old style of photo developing) or inkjet surface spray (new style.)
In the above mentioned cases – ambient temperature will reactivate that moisture much like heat and moisture reactivate the curl in hair that has been straightened.
Once art is framed, it can react to ambient temperature – especially in excessive heat or cold and cause the art to actually move !
