Contemporary and Clean

With few exceptions, when I sell a print or poster, either through the shop or at my studio, that’s the last I hear of the matter, unless a customer is kind enough to add a review on the product page and/or contact me to let me know how my work looks on their wall.

With every print or poster shipped, I include a page of “Framing Tips,” including my opinion on the best kinds of matting and framing materials for photographs. I suggest in that document simple, “contemporary” frames are best for the presentation of photographs. Furthermore, I recommend a plain black frame with deep profile to set off black and white photographs, though “black & white” images aren’t always neutral in tone.

Meanwhile, the framing choices of avid photography collector Elton John flout my conservative views and ultimately I must confess that presentation of photography is entirely a personal decision.

I’m grateful to Mia Hansen, not only for the amazing story and photo from her father’s archive, which recently answered a question I’d been pondering for three decades in relation to my Broadway & Heather photograph, but also for showing me (via photo at right) the framing choices she’s made for her acquisition. The result is beautiful and will complement her Vancouver heritage apartment nicely.

Coincidentally, I mounted the results — both B&W and colour — of a recent printing session in white frames, a trend to which I’m sure I’ve arrived late. I’m very pleased with the result. Next thing you know, I’ll be staining my homebuilt Douglas fir frames with vivid colours or experimenting with ornate profiles usually reserved for Baroque paintings.

One thing won’t change: I will spare no expense on mat board. Acid free, 100% rag board is a prerequisite for successful conservation, whatever hue is chosen.

If, like Sir Elton, you fancy a vintage sepia print deserves a gold gilt frame, I say go for it! After all, who could question the impeccable taste of such a passionate connoisseur?