Frames and gilded surfaces conservation

Frames have a unique place in conservation - on the one hand they are often an extension of the picture; and on the other hand, an object in their own right. At Grimwade Conservation Services we treat all types of frames and gilded objects. Treatments vary from total re-gilding to the removal of old restoration work to reveal the object as it originally was.

Available frame conservation services include:

• surface cleaning to remove dirt, nicotine, fly spots and stains
• consolidating of loose and flaking surface and ornaments
• mould making for creation and replacement of missing ornaments
• surface preparation for in-painting, in-gilding and complete re-gilding if required
• patination of frame surface to match original finishes

You can watch a demonstration of water gilding on our Water gilding demonstration video.

Conservation rehousing

We specialise in the mounting and housing of both two and three-dimensional artworks and artefacts.

Our services include:

• standard mount cutting
• decorative windows and mounts
• glazing of works with conservation grade glass or acrylic sheet, including spacers
• padded rebates, profile build ups, protective backboards and two point hanging systems
• custom-made boxes with custom internal support systems using archival materials
• support systems for bark painting

All rehousing is to international conservation standard using current best practice.