Reframing Old Paintings Question

rush2112 · July 14th, 2011, 01:12 PM

I am curious to know if it's common for auction houses or collectors to reframe old paintings if the frame is damaged or just plain looks bad.

If so, do they use vintage frames or use new reproduction frames.

Just curious............................

John · July 14th, 2011, 01:21 PM

I don't have any special knowledge of this, but I would guess that auction houses don't normally do so because they are typically selling works on consignment, essentially. Also they seem to be more concerned with optimizing their throughput. It's more about selling in volume as efficiently as possible than it is about fine-tuning the sale price of every single lot.

Galleries probably do do this when necessary, as they wouldn't want tatty frames in their showroom.

roger1 · July 15th, 2011, 01:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John

I don't have any special knowledge of this, but I would guess that auction houses don't normally do so because they are typically selling works on consignment, essentially. Also they seem to be more concerned with optimizing their throughput. It's more about selling in volume as efficiently as possible than it is about fine-tuning the sale price of every single lot.

Galleries probably do do this when necessary, as they wouldn't want tatty frames in their showroom.

As a collector I can say that I do upgrade my paintings in general. Usually it is necessary to replace the mounts with conservation quality mounts to protect the watercolour painting. If the frame is particularly bad then I replace the frame but if it is still structurally sound then I keep the original and touch-up where necessary. Depending on the age of the painting the style of frame is quite important and I find that the original one is usually compatible but ultimately the choice is yours.

roger1 · September 1st, 2011, 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roger1

As a collector I can say that I do upgrade my paintings in general. Usually it is necessary to replace the mounts with conservation quality mounts to protect the watercolour painting. If the frame is particularly bad then I replace the frame but if it is still structurally sound then I keep the original and touch-up where necessary. Depending on the age of the painting the style of frame is quite important and I find that the original one is usually compatible but ultimately the choice is yours.

This post has been viewed quite a lot and it would be interesting to hear the views of other readers - has anyone undertaken a reframing project and was it a success? Any tips or advice?

rush2112 · September 3rd, 2011, 08:51 PM

How does one choose a frame for an old painting?
Buy a new one? Buy a good used one at an antique store?
Does it hurt value when putting an old painting in a new frame if done professionally?

John · September 4th, 2011, 09:29 AM

If the artist originally created the frame or you have reason to believe he or she chose it for a specific reason to complement the painting, then I would keep it.

Otherwise I see no reason not to use a new frame. Just use a classic, low-key design and it won`t look out of place. Good frames are not cheap, but they can look fantastic and really improve the power of a painting. I`m sure the framer can help you choose an appropriate design and color.

July 14th, 2011, 01:12 PM	#1
rush2112 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 9	Reframing Old Paintings Question I am curious to know if it's common for auction houses or collectors to reframe old paintings if the frame is damaged or just plain looks bad. If so, do they use vintage frames or use new reproduction frames. Just curious............................

September 3rd, 2011, 08:51 PM	#5
rush2112 Junior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Posts: 9	Updating Bad Frames How does one choose a frame for an old painting? Buy a new one? Buy a good used one at an antique store? Does it hurt value when putting an old painting in a new frame if done professionally?

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July 14th, 2011, 01:21 PM	#2
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,400	I don't have any special knowledge of this, but I would guess that auction houses don't normally do so because they are typically selling works on consignment, essentially. Also they seem to be more concerned with optimizing their throughput. It's more about selling in volume as efficiently as possible than it is about fine-tuning the sale price of every single lot. Galleries probably do do this when necessary, as they wouldn't want tatty frames in their showroom.

September 4th, 2011, 09:29 AM	#6
John John Malyon, host Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 2,400	If the artist originally created the frame or you have reason to believe he or she chose it for a specific reason to complement the painting, then I would keep it. Otherwise I see no reason not to use a new frame. Just use a classic, low-key design and it won`t look out of place. Good frames are not cheap, but they can look fantastic and really improve the power of a painting. I`m sure the framer can help you choose an appropriate design and color.