Transcript
Page 1: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

Sylvia StevenSylvia StevenMA Conservation of Fine ArtUniversity of Northumbria

Page 2: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

IntroductionIntroduction Working title of research

The Frames and Framing Techniques of British Prints 1700 – 1900: How do print frames and the way in which they are framed relate to condition and the provenance of the art work?

Historical context of print framesExamples of frames and framing

techniquesMethodology What this research hopes to achieve

Page 3: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

Historical context Historical context

o The function of a frame to compliment the art work .

o Print frames generally considered as disposable items – this is reflected in the materials used to create them.

o New methods of producing prints meant that prints could reproduce some of the qualities of paintings.

o Increased demand for framed prints .

Page 4: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

The commercial print and The commercial print and the Hogarth Framethe Hogarth Frame

William Hogarth, 1697-1764- "A Rakes Progress”

Page 5: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

Print frames designed by Print frames designed by James McNeil WhistlerJames McNeil Whistler

Framed lithograph, “The Smith's Yard” (1895), by James A.M. Whistler

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The Trophy FrameThe Trophy Frame

Fireman’s Trophy Frame ,1856

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Framing techniquesFraming techniques

The highly damaging practices used between 1700 – 1900:

o Varnishing prints as a cheap alternative to glazing.

o Mounting prints on canvas, linen and paper onto a pine strainer.

o Placing prints on acidic backings and mounts.

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Varnished printsVarnished prints

Before Treatment After Treatment

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Prints lined and placed on Prints lined and placed on strainersstrainers

Mezzotint “Hawking” after James Howe, 1816 shown in raking light

Page 10: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

Prints placed in acidic Prints placed in acidic mountsmounts

Engraving in frame and mount Detail of top left corner removed from frame and mount

Page 11: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

MethodologyMethodologyThe methodology will be a combination of both applied methods and literature searches.The lack of books written on the subject of print frames and framing techniques will be a challenge.

InternetA number of technological resources will be utilised from various conservation based websites and from the extensive online literature available from the University library.

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Literature ReviewLiterature Reviewo Broader texts on frames used for oil

paintings may help develop a glossary of frame terms.

o There are a number of articles that can be found in journals like Print Quarterly and The Paper Conservator. These can be difficult to locate.

o Historic texts like The Handmaid to the Arts by Robert Dossie, published 1749.

o Illustrated prints of house interiors and documents such as auction catalogues, inventories and craft manuals may prove beneficial.

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Applied MethodsApplied Methods

The research for this dissertation will rely heavily on applied methods such as interviews and carrying out surveys.

Interviews These will be carried out with prominent paper conservators, frame technicians, curators, private collectors and sellers of historic prints.

Page 14: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

SurveysSurveysA survey is being carried out at the National Trust property – Seaton Delaval.Burt Hall has also a collection of framed prints which is used for educational purposes. Access has been granted to survey the collection.

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Working with galleries and Working with galleries and archivesarchives

Summer placements were actively sought for their collection of framed prints. Interviews will also be carried where possible during these placements :

o National Museums Scotland, Edinburgho Museum Resource Centre, Glasgowo The Royal Commission of Ancient and

Historical Artefacts of Scotlando The National Trust

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What does this research What does this research hope to achieve?hope to achieve?

My research aims to create a tool in the form of a document containing surveys and photographs as well as detailed descriptions.

The research if successful will –o Enhance knowledge of the frame materials

and the frame maker.o Inform on the study of original presentation.o Improve knowledge on the means of

production and the construction materials. o Be a valuable educational resource for other

paper conservation students.

Page 17: Sylvia Steven MA Conservation of Fine Art University of Northumbria

Thank you!


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