Discover the behind the scenes of the art framing used

Guided tour: discover the behind-the-scenes of a picture framing shop

Picture framing shops are places where art and passion meet. A professional craftsman showcases your favorite works through a custom framing service, tailored to each piece and your personal tastes. Immerse yourself in this fascinating world and discover the behind-the-scenes workings of a framing workshop during a guided tour.

The History of Picture Framing

To better understand the inner workings of this craft, it is essential to know its history. Picture framing dates back several centuries, with traces dating back to the Middle Ages. It has evolved over the years to adapt to different artistic periods and find its own identity. You can see this picture framing store , as a living testimony to this evolution.

Initially, frames were primarily used to protect artwork from weather and insect damage. Over time, they took on a more aesthetic function and now allow artworks to be displayed harmoniously within their surroundings.

The coaching process: unique expertise and know-how

During your guided tour, you'll have the privilege of meeting a professional framer, who will reveal the secrets of his craft and share his passion for art with you. In a framing workshop, each work is treated with the utmost care and requires unique expertise to bring it to its best.

The choice of materials

The success of a framing project depends largely on the quality of the materials used. You'll discover the different types of frames used to frame paintings, such as wood or metal frames, as well as their respective specificities. The professional will also explain the importance of choosing the right glass (standard glass, anti-reflective, etc.) and mat to showcase your work while ensuring its protection.

Assembly and finishing

Once the materials have been chosen, it's time to move on to the assembly stage. During this delicate phase, the craftsman's expertise truly shines. They meticulously assemble the frame, glass, and mat, ensuring that each element fits into the overall picture. Finally, the finishing touches are applied with care to ensure a flawless and harmonious finish, both with the work itself and the space where it will be displayed.

The different framing techniques

During the guided tour, the craftsman will reveal the different framing methods he uses, depending on the needs and constraints of each painting. These include:

• Traditional framing: a classic method suitable for works on canvas or paper. The painting is mounted on a rigid support and surrounded by a mat before being slid into the chosen frame.

• The "crack or stretcher": This method is ideal for framing canvases mounted on stretchers. The work is glued directly onto a wooden support, then consolidated with animal or synthetic glue and nails. Finally, the frame is placed around the whole thing.

• Collage under glass: preferred for drawings, engravings and photos, this method consists of gluing the work directly onto the glass of the frame, thus giving it optimal protection against the risk of damage.

• The American box: ideal for highlighting contemporary works, this technique consists of framing the canvas without a mat or glass, leaving a space between the frame and the work.

Each of these framing techniques has its own specificities and meets different needs, depending on the type of work to be framed and the wishes of its owner. The craftsman will be able to guide and advise you on the choice of the method best suited to the painting you wish to showcase.

A tailor-made tour to suit all audiences

This guided tour is designed to appeal to a wide range of art lovers, regardless of their age, knowledge of framing, or the length of their visit. Tailored tours are offered based on your level of interest and the time you have available to explore this fascinating world.

This tour will not only give you the opportunity to learn a lot about the craft of professional framing, but also to enjoy a special moment to ask all your questions and discuss with him his working techniques, his inspirations, and his unique expertise. A unique experience that will allow you to take a fresh look at the works of art and the treasures hidden behind each frame.