Cliff's picture framing techniques in Havant, Hampshire, UK

This is not a word to be lightly bandied about, particularly when you are about to entrust your precious picture to be framed. At one level, Cliff uses his creativity in a customer-focussed way, whilst doing the best for the picture and the environment in which it will live. At another level, he will repeat colours, textures and shapes from within the picture in the framing. When all these considerations work in harmony, there is a tendency for the framing to disappear, throwing the picture into almost magical relief. This is a phenomenon examined by the French thinker, Jacques Derrida (1978) in The Truth In Painting, where he says that

" it disappears, buries itself, effaces itself, melts awav at the moment it deploys its greatest energy."

Cliff sees the world in terms of framed images, so draws his inspiration from many sources. His work is a subtle interplay of colours, shapes and textures, used playfully, but with finesse.He has developed his own interpretations on framing using the properties of chameleon-like materials, used in unusual, but highly effective ways.

This example is one of a series carried out for a private client for exhibition at the Cork Street Gallery in London. This solution was the right one for these circumstances; that 'rightness' is unique to each individual client.

Cliff is currently in the first year of a two-year MA in Design Studies (shortly to be renamed Applied Imagination) at Central St. Martin's College of Art and Design. The course is designed for busy working professionals, so this can be undertaken without affecting the business. Cliff is taking the opportunity to review the historical background of framing, as well as the possible links to other strands of 'framing' theory, from philosophy, psychology and literature, to name a few. The aim is to establish an intellectually sound theoretical basis for the aesthetic activity of picture framing in order to create the conditions where the design aspect can be driven forward. Cliff's intention is to work with established designers, manufacturers and retailers to produce new kinds of picture frames. Addresses of the main research resources can be found on the main menu under 'Useful Links'.

See the next two images for an x-ray image of what goes on inside a conservation framing.

The next image shows you how.

f you have backing boards resembling these in contact with your precious picture, particularly if it is on paper, this can cause both general and localised discolouration of the paper. Replacing or buffering with conservation standard boards (see Conservation Framing) can prevent a trip to Cliff's restoration workshop in the future

The next frame shows some styles which might suit a traditional oil painting, the one after shows some styles with a more contemporary look.

This a small selection from the very wide range of hand-made, English mouldings from our range, which would grace any traditional oil painting. Many more styles are available.

Some paintings, although traditional in style, simply will not carry a heavy, decorated frame. Cliff has plenty of choices to suit such occasions.

Here is a further selection from the range, including some simpler styles to suit more contemporary oil paintings and acrylics.

Watercolours often benefit from a light touch, with very pale mounts and light delicate frames. This is not a hard and fast rule, though, so if if you have a subject and a mind to be treated in a more exciting way, Cliff can always be prompted to slip into a more creative mode.

Pale gentle colours work best with watercolours, and here is a small selection of typical examples. If you wish to make a bolder statement, Cliff's unique range of material mounts (not shown) may just be the answer.

Pretty and gentle, soft and delicate-

These are the words Cliff would use to describe the typical watercolour frame. Once again, this is a small selection from the very wide range.

The next frames show a typical treatment.

Ideally, framing should help to place a picture in an appropriate time (in this case about 1830) as well as putting it in an appropriate cultural context. See next frame.

The mount is prepared, using colours and materials similar to those available at the time. See next frame.

This shows the engraving finished in its 'Hogarth' frame, so- called in tribute to the famous William Hogarth, who helped to popularise the style.

Examples will be added shortly.

Etchings are at the same time cool and classical, yet warm and natural, a little loose, a little free; no wonder they are so timelessly popular. This walnut veneer frame is one alternative which successfully catches this spirit.

The next two frames show how small things can make a big difference

In this treatment, the effect is strong, hard-edged and masculine.

In this treatment, the effect is softer and friendlier. Which is better? Only you can decide. Now click backwards and forwards between the two images to compare.

All framed material subjects have at their heart the traditional stretching method to make them flat and square. As this is something you never see, it is illustrated in the next frame.

This method will almost invariably fully correct the tension on a material subject, making it flat and square and ready for framing. Stretching is carried out to Conservation standard (see Conservation Framing).

your tapestry deserves to be properly stretched and framed to be fully appreciated.

Cliff has silks to suit every occasion and any mood, enabling bolder colours to be used than would be possible using card alone.

and add appropriate legs; it's that simple.

This is a perennial favourite for fire screens.

This is another example, featuring the optional brass handle and legs.

Batiks can, of course be framed in the conventional way, but Cliff's preferred method is to stretch them over a frame, using a variant on his traditional stretching technique. An example is shown in the next frame

This African batik has a natural black border which has been left showing to take the place of a frame. Batiks 'over-framed' in this way can look stunning hung in front of a window.

Enter the third dimension.

Almost anything in three dimensions which is capable of being contained by a frame can be done.

...can be framed either singly or in groups.

Medals are usually let into a cushion of velvet or similar material, then framed in a meticulous and gentlemanly way. Cliff has been known to stand smartly to attention on completion of a particularly fine job completed.

Shoot to the next frame.

Signed shirts are a particular favourite for framing.

Children can have a precocious talent which is sadly soon lost. Preserve your favourites in a frame for a lifetime of appreciation.

For a permanent reminder.

Someone who had clearly let their hair down while on holiday in Cuba wanted to frame their souvenir in a way which reflected the party atmosphere. Cliff has a range of multi-tonal fabrics which are waiting for just such a challenge.

This authentic antique is in need of framing in keeping with its time and character. The solution for this client is shown in the next frame.

Cliff has materials in stock to suit almost any occasion, including this authentic Indian silk border, which makes the whole effect seem as if it all originates in the place of origin.