The Fine Art Trade Guild standards are developed for the guidance of the professional trade and to enable consumers to make informed choices based on their individual needs.
The standards are developed through proven facts, evidence based, using accepted UK accredited test procedures and their equivalent, and established practice and experience of products and techniques that have proven to stand the test of time.
There are four levels of framing
Level 1 (Ultimate Level, formerly Museum Level)
The highest level that will protect and preserve artwork for future generations. Recommended for original art and artworks with a lot of sentimental, monetary, cultural value. The preservation and protection of the item is more important than visual appearance. The techniques, materials and procedures used are conservation level. Mountboards, tapes and adhesives must be museum level grade. The process is fully reversable with no damage to the artwork. The target life of the frame is 35 + years in normal conditions.
Level 2 (High Level, formerly Conservation Level)
High level protection using conservation methods and materials. Best for artworks and high quality reproductions. Mountboards, tapes and adhesives must be conservation level grade. To visually enhance artwork that is to be preserved for future generations. The process is fully reversible with no damage to the artwork. The target life of the frame is 20 + years in normal conditions.
Level 3 (Mid-Level, formerly Commended Level)
A mid-level protection by use of good quality materials and techniques. Best for mid value arts and prints where appearance is more important than preservation. The process is preferred to be reversible, but artwork may be damaged. The target life of the frame is 5 + years in normal conditions.
Level 4 (Low level, formerly minimum level)
Low level framing using basic materials. Best for low value replaceable artwork where visual appearance and budget are more important than preservation. The process is often not reversible and therefore artwork may be damaged.
The standard of framing I do is determined by what the item is, frame design, the needs of the client, choice of materials and budget. I aim to frame at Level 1 and 2 to give the best quality framing to present, protect and preserve the items.
If would like to know more about the different levels please get in touch or visit https://www.fineart.co.uk/Fine_ArtTrade_Guild_Standards.aspx
