Conservation and Museum Framing

Conservation & Museum Framing in St Andrews

At A & M Sproson Picture Framers, we specialise in conservation and museum-standard picture framing to protect and preserve your artwork for years to come.

Whether you have original artwork, limited editions, photographs, or valuable memorabilia, our expert framing ensures your piece is both beautifully presented and properly protected.

What is Conservation & Museum Framing?

Conservation and museum framing use specialist materials and techniques designed to prevent damage and preserve artwork in its original condition.

• Conservation framing is recommended for original artwork and important pieces

• Museum framing provides the highest level of protection for valuable or irreplaceable items

Both methods are designed to ensure your artwork can be safely preserved and, if required, removed from the frame without damage.

Professional Materials & Techniques

Conservation Framing Includes:

• pH-neutral conservation mountboard

• Acid-free backing and barrier boards

• Acid-free, reversible tapes and hinging methods

• No permanent adhesives applied to the artwork

Museum Framing Includes:

• All conservation-level materials

• Cotton-core, museum-grade mountboard

• UV-protective and anti-reflective glass

• Additional protection against environmental damage

Museum-Level Protection

Museum framing uses the highest standard of materials and techniques to ensure long-term preservation.

This includes:

• Fully reversible framing methods

• No permanent fixing or damage to the artwork

• Careful spacing between the artwork and glass

• Protection from dust, humidity, and airborne pollutants

• Sealed framing options to reduce environmental exposure

Why Is Conservation Framing Important?

Using unsuitable materials can cause permanent damage to artwork over time.

Common problems we see include:

• Discolouration and fading

• Paper becoming dry and brittle

• “Mount burn” – brown marks caused by acidic materials

• Damage from incorrect tapes such as masking tape

In many cases, this damage is difficult or impossible to reverse.

Our Approach

Not all picture framers use conservation techniques. We regularly see and repair artwork that has been incorrectly framed elsewhere.

At A & M Sproson Picture Framers:

• All materials we use are acid-free

• We follow recognised conservation framing standards

• We use fully reversible methods wherever possible

• We provide expert advice tailored to each individual piece

Protect Your Artwork

If you are framing original artwork, photographs, or valuable items, conservation or museum framing is essential for long-term protection.

👉 Get in touch today for expert advice on the best framing solution for your piece.