
Important information about telephoning us
Our phone line has now closed. Follow us on social media to stay up to date as we move into a new phase and identity from Summer 2022. We’re still…Read more
Our frames are led by integrity, not by price.
The most common timber used in picture framing is Obeche, which comes from tropical forests in Africa. It’s widely used by framers because it’s cheap and has a very even and indistinct grain. At Mount we refuse to keep using timber that is logged, albeit legally, in huge quantities from sensitive areas that shouldn’t be used for commercial exploitation. We’re phasing obeche out of our offering completely, replacing it with a new pared-back selection of frame mouldings that we deem to have a high ethical and sustainable integrity. Read more.
The inside of a frame is as important as the outside. Many framers drive down prices by making frames quickly using cheap materials that degrade paper over time. Many “conservation” mountboards and materials are often so-called as a marketing spin, and are not recommended by genuine conservators. We only use materials that have been approved by paper conservators, which means we only use cotton mountboards, and specialist gummed tapes or traditional starch-paste and mulberry paper. We adhere to International Organisation for Standardisation guidelines to ensure that our materials and techniques will not damage the image or accelerate natural decay rates.
Custom framing is similar to getting a suit made for you by a tailor, and this can be a good way of thinking about the cost of handmade frames too. The price varies depending on the materials used and the standard required. Prices start at around £85 and average at around £400, but can be more for large or complex frames. We’re working on a simple online selection which will be cheaper than our fully bespoke service, TBA.
Neil, collector“Super work and a genuinely lovely gang running this independent business. Used them over and over…”
Rebecca, artist“Thank you for framing my drawing so beautifully. I am delighted with it; it is just as I had hoped it would be.”
Selina, artist“The frames are perfect. Thank you very much.”
Anthony, artist“I thought I would let you know that a painting you framed for me has been sold. The framing certainly enhanced the work and I am sure made a valued contribution to the sale. Many thanks for your expert advice and work.”
Our phone line has now closed. Follow us on social media to stay up to date as we move into a new phase and identity from Summer 2022. We’re still…Read more
Framing small art works In 2016 Black Swan Arts ran an exhibition of 1000 postcards donated by artists from across the country. During the exhibition we had lots of people ask…Read more
Every artwork is unique and different moulding profiles and mountboards will suit different works. But there are general trends that can act as a good springboard for ideas about how…Read more