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Author
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Topic: Vintage photo frames: Keep or remove?
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Silver
Member Posts: 62
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2015
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posted 11-25-2016 12:24 AM
   
So I'm curious of the community's opinion on this. I have a signed photo that I will likely be selling soon, which comes in a vintage 60's frame from the original owner. The frame and matte job is very much in the style of the period. In your opinions and experiences, does keeping an original frame add any value or appeal to a piece? Or are you better off removing the item, which saves on shipping costs and perhaps broadens the item's appeal? |
spaced out
Member Posts: 3110
From: Paris, France
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 11-25-2016 12:55 AM
My personal opinion is that frames add zero value to signed photos/lithos, and as you say they add significantly to shipping costs.They also hide some details of the item itself and there's a risk the mounting and matting may not be acid-free or might involve a glue of some kind that will be damaging the item long term. |
Panther494
Member Posts: 402
From: London UK
Registered: Jan 2013
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posted 11-25-2016 04:32 AM
Totally agree with the above comment, the framing from that period was probably not archival. Although if you remove the item be careful not to damage it, I've seen some photos that have been glued in place and there was no way it was leaving the mount unscathed. |
Chuckster01
Member Posts: 873
From: Orlando, FL
Registered: Jan 2014
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posted 11-25-2016 07:10 AM
I also agree that original frames do not add to the value of a presentation and in some cases can lower the value. |
garymilgrom
Member Posts: 1966
From: Atlanta, GA
Registered: Feb 2007
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posted 11-25-2016 07:27 AM
I agree with others that frames add no value. However this sounds interesting. I'd like to see how "The frame and matte job is very much in the style of the period." Unless it's something very odd (paisley designs on frame?) this frame might be an interesting compliment to the photo, reinforcing those great days of early crewed exploration. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2475
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 11-25-2016 07:38 AM
I agree with Gary on being interested in what the frames may be. If they are just black or brown solid wood frame then no value. If the desire is to keep the frame then remove the glass for shipping as it would be easier, safer and cheaper.I always replace any glass with UV protection acrylic. It is much lighter as well as safer. I had a framed item come off the wall once and shatter including some minor damage to the item. That was all it took to replace any glass with acrylic. |
Joel Katzowitz
Member Posts: 808
From: Marietta GA USA
Registered: Dec 1999
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posted 11-25-2016 07:47 AM
My take on the subject is slightly different than the previous opinions.I have a flown item from Schirra's Mercury flight that he gifted to his friend Bill Dana. Dana had it framed and displayed in his home for many years. When I acquired the item I removed the artifact from the frame, which was certainly not archival, and made a new display for it. I kept the original frame and matt and think it is a wonderful companion piece for the artifact. I think it also adds to the provenance of the piece. |
GACspaceguy
Member Posts: 2475
From: Guyton, GA
Registered: Jan 2006
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posted 11-25-2016 08:32 AM
Joel, very good point. If there is history in the frame it is a keeper for sure. |
fredtrav
Member Posts: 1673
From: Birmingham AL
Registered: Aug 2010
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posted 11-25-2016 02:05 PM
One additional consideration in getting a framed piece. As has been stated, if the frame is nothing special, then another problem comes into play. If shipped with the frame and glass, I have seen the glass get broken and tear the photo. If I buy something framed, now I request the item be removed if possible. |
ea757grrl
Member Posts: 729
From: South Carolina
Registered: Jul 2006
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posted 11-25-2016 03:50 PM
My frame of mind (ha ha!) is kinda like Joel's. I own a photo of Dave Garroway that he inscribed to jazz musician Red Norvo, who then had the photo matted and custom-framed (without glass) in a nice display that was representative of the era.I'm not likely to get the piece reframed, since the photo is in good shape for its age and since I know the display is part of its story (and since I have the documentation to back that up). But even if I did have to get the photo reframed, I would hang on to the original frame and mat, and it would go along as a companion piece with the reframed photo if I ever sold it (which I hope I never have to). |
Silver
Member Posts: 62
From: Washington, DC
Registered: Jul 2015
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posted 11-25-2016 05:00 PM
Thank you all for your very interesting perspectives. quote:
Originally posted by garymilgrom:
I'd like to see how "The frame and matte job is very much in the style of the period."
Unfortunately it is not ornate, just very 60s. What I would describe in a modern context as... drab? |
David Carey
Member Posts: 782
From:
Registered: Mar 2009
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posted 11-26-2016 12:03 PM
Went through a similar exercise earlier and agree that absent some historical significance it's fine to re-frame and enhance aesthetics to personal and/or current market tastes.That said, and to illustrate Joel's point, here is one example where all I did was replace the glazing with anti-reflective Museum Glass. While not a big fan of the period look, the very personal gift of the portrait from Buzz to his parents seemed to dictate keeping the original frame. Either Buzz or his folks likely chose the frame for display (evidenced by fading of fabric-covered stand and backing board). Maybe there's not much difference between the two situations but the historical significance of the frame felt greater with the portrait.  |
Wehaveliftoff
Member Posts: 2343
From:
Registered: Aug 2001
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posted 11-26-2016 09:48 PM
What I've always been apprehensive about, is the quality of the frame if "metal." They do tend to "stain" the photo if "cheap" or subjected to higher levels of humidity over a long time framed. Also agree with acrylic, as I had a glass framed item crash next to me while sleeping, not a pretty sight when I awoke. |
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