When discussing framing options with PurePhoto clients, we’re often asked about the newest trend in framing and preservation called face-mounted acrylic. So, let’s clear it up!
High-end galleries and museums around the world are using this technique to preserve and display photography (especially large scale images). In fact, the Indianapolis Museum of Art’s Department of Conservation who studies the best conservation practices for photography uses face-mounting for presenting and protecting its own collection.
Their team describes face-mounting as marrying “the photograph to the glazing with an interface of synthetic adhesive… a rigid backing material is similarly adhered to the verso of the photograph, creating a unified package that encases the work completely, supplying strength, support, and unfettered edges.”
Artists, curators, collectors and designers appreciate the visual appeal of face-mounted photography – the colors appear to become more rich and vivid and there’s more clarity to the image itself. The Indianapolis Museum further points out that “air between a photograph and the glazing has been eliminated, there are no issues of multiple light-reflecting surfaces that can confuse the clear perception of the image.”
PurePhoto’s master printers use fine art paper and mount using museum quality, archival materials and techniques. Not only do we love the clean, contemporary look of face-mounted acrylic photographs, but we also know that artwork will be protected from oxygen and humidity, and will not be at risk of slipping in the frame or tearing if dropped or mishandled in the future. Once mounted, the photograph will never need to be directly handled again. Click here to read more on the topic on the Indianapolis Museum’s website.
Check out some fabulous face-mount installations by PurePhoto below…
Top Left: Paper Still Life IV and Paper Still Life II by Paul Edmondson, installed in the Christopher Kennedy Showroom in Pasadena; shot by Mike Kelley. Top Right: Surfer by John Greim, featured in Hamptons Magazine, installed in the home of Natalie and Adam Gould by interior designer Maria Brito of Lifestyling NYC. Bottom: Far and Away VI by Cheryl Maeder, installed in a Santa Monica private residential by interior designer Mark Williams.
Hollywood by Rick Rose. Installed in a Malibu private residential.