We use only the finest materials available on the market today.
Glazing - We recommend Tru Vue Conservation Series Glass which blocks 99% of all harmful UV rays. UV rays are responsible for most of the irreversible damage to artwork, especially works on paper. Click here for more glazing options.
Mounting - 100% cotton mat boards are naturally acid and lignin-free. A mount is particularly important in a framed piece because it keeps the artwork away from the glazing material and creates an air space, enabling the artwork to breathe within the frame.
Backing - Acid-free Fomecor is an extruded polystyrene core in between two sheets of 100% cotton paper, and meets the Library of Congress standards for conservation framing.
Very little should ever touch valuable artwork, and it should never be glued down, or stapled in the case of needlework. We hinge works on paper, at the top only. This is done to enable the artwork to expand and contract with environmental changes. In the case of needlework, we lace it (see our page Needle Art).
Yes, we certainly can. Mylar is a product we use which is completely inert. It is a thin, clear polyester film which can be used for encapsulation (where the complete item is sandwiched in between two sheets), or Mylar corners can be attached. Like photo corners, the document, artwork or article slips into the corners, with no tape whatsoever touching it.
Our proprietor, Jodie Prymke, is a PFGV Certified Guild Framer - the only one in South Australia, and one of only 19 Australia-wide. She has 25 years experience as a Designer, and has trained in Italy, studying traditional framing techniques including Gilding and Frame Restoration.
No, not all of the artworks are kept in stock. If you are interested in having a look at a specific piece of art, please contact us, so we can organize to get it in for you.
All the David Bromley pieces available to us are posted on our website and updated regularly. The Thomas Ross Collection, of over 5000 beautifully hand-crafted etchings, is available for you on CD ROM.
An Artist's Proof is when the artist or printmaker makes a preliminary print that is not one of the offical edition. Commonly, an Artists Proof is made as a test, and between 3 and 5 are usually made before producing the final print edition. If a print is an Artists Proof, the artist will write AP next to his/her signature instead of an edition number. When buying an AP for an investment, some experts say they are worth more than the limited editions, because each one is unique, others say they are worth the same.
The David Bromley Artist Proofs and Limited Editions we have at the moment are all 50cm x 70cm approximately. This is the image size. Framed, they become 90cm x 110cm approximately. The original painting all vary, and their sizes are noted with their descriptions.
Can I choose the framing for my Bromley?
Of course. Included in the price of the Bromleys is a custom-made frame, made especially to your requirements. All the Bromley prints come fully framed to conservation standards and ready to hang. Framing includes glazing with 99% UV blocking glass, double matting (mounting) with 100% cotton boards, and a frame in the colour and profile of your choice. Conservation framing is the combined techniques and materials used to protect valuable artworks and slow down the aging process. Most clients consider it "insurance" for their investments.
We are specialist custom picture framers and the artworks we frame usually reflect this. Original artworks, oil paintings, watercolours, botanicals, limited edition prints, etchings and engravings, needle art, objects d'art, photographs, prints and posters.
Yes, of course we will! Reglazing, replacing water damaged, faded or acidic matboards with cotton ones and repairing old and damaged frames is all part of what we do.
Most old and damaged frames can be repaired successfully, and we would encourage you to do this, rather than replace it with a new one. Replacing an old frame with a new one can actually de-value a piece of art, especially if it was the frame the artist originally chose for it.
Yes, we employ the services of one of South Australia's best art conservators Chris Payne. Chris is a member of the AICCM and is employed by Artlab and the Art Gallery of South Australia. We are happy to pass on his details directly or we can organize the restoration for you.
Our framing machinery is brand new, and state-of-the-art. It includes a Swiss-made computerised matboard cutter, for embossing as well as mat cutting, a French underpinner (also known as a V-nailer), and an Italian-made industrial double-mitre saw.
We take our work seriously, and keeping your artwork safe whilst in our care, is all part of the service. For this reason, our studio is fitted with a fully monitored security system and closed circuit TV cameras. As an added measure, the door to the gallery is kept locked at all times (clients ring the buzzer to enter). We do have extensive insurance cover, but you should always insure your artwork, like you would your watch or jewellery, in any case.
Framing prices really do vary enormously depending on the type of frame and glazing option you choose. For example, an A4 size frame (200mm x 300mm) with a single mat, regular glass and a simple frame would be around $140. Exactly the same sized frame with a complex hand-crafted frame, double mat and Museum Glass would be around $550.
It is very important that when you take the time to visit us, even if it is just for an obligation-free quote, please bring your artwork with you. It is virtually impossible to give you a reasonable quote without us seeing (identifying the artwork and how it should best be framed) and measuring it accurately first.
"I can frame something cheaply to just hang on a wall and no one will ever notice it, but I believe that process is a waste of money. A well framed piece of art, even if it is only a poster, can make a room come alive and be a life-long investment if it brings the viewer years of joy." Jodie Prymke
Of course you can visit us for an obligation-free quote. However, if you are going to take the time to call in, please bring your artwork with you. It is virtually impossible to give you a reasonable quote without us seeing (identifying the artwork and how it should best be framed) and measuring it accurately first.
If you are comparing custom-made framing to ready-made photo frames from Ikea, then yes, it would appear to be expensive, but you can't really look at it that way.
The comparison is more like buying a new suit. You can buy one of 100,000 - all exactly the same, mass-produced in a factory in China, ready-made and off-the-rack - it will look OK, but it might not fit too well, and the seams may be a little puckered with a few threads hanging here and there.
Or...you can go to a tailor and have the suit made - in a beautiful fine Italian wool fabric, in a colour that brings out the colour in your eyes, and then it's cut to perfection - especially for you.
It's exactly the same with custom framing. Our frames are designed especially for you, in the colours and materials that perfectly compliment your artwork, and then they are individually hand-crafted to your specifications, all one by one.
Yes, we accept VISA, Mastercard, Amex, EFTPOS, and cash payments. We also have a very flexible, interest-free Lay-By service. We are more than happy for you to pay off your art or framing purchases to suit your budget. Lay-bys are non-refundable.
Take your frame straight home - do not leave it in a hot car.
Never hang or place artwork in direct sunlight. The sun is very destructive to art. Photographs and drawings are particularly susceptible to fading. If you want to be extra protective of your artwork, rotate it as often as possible allowing for some time in dark spaces or storage.
Do not hang artwork in or near sources of heat or humidity, i.e., bathrooms, heaters, etc. No matter how well something is framed or protected, humidity will surely warp and damage most surfaces.
Do not leave artwork outside. Basements and garages are not recommended places to store artwork because of exposure to inclement weather, humidity and dampness.
Avoid letting dust accumulate on artwork. When dusting your artwork, use a very soft, non-abrasive, lint free cloth. Paper towels are a no-no because they can leave tiny scratches.
