No appointment is necessary. Just visit us during our opening hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm and Saturday 9:30am–4:30pm) and one of our experienced staff will be happy to advise you.

Our standard turnaround time is usually 7–14 days, depending on the size of the piece and the materials chosen.

The cost depends on the mount, moulding, glass and techniques selected. The best way to get an accurate price is to visit us or contact us for a free, no-obligation quote.

Yes, we are happy to provide free, no-obligation quotes for all framing work.

We frame most types of artwork and objects, including paper-based media (watercolours, prints, posters, certificates and photographs), stretched and unstretched canvases, works on wood or board, textiles (such as cross stitch and embroidery), clothing (including football shirts), mirrors and three-dimensional objects such as medals.

Yes, we can stretch, mount and frame all types of textiles, from embroidery to cross stitch, using fully reversible conservation techniques.

We have extensive experience framing three-dimensional objects and have created bespoke solutions for items ranging from medal collections to a clarinet, and many things in between. If you have an object you would like to frame, the best approach is to visit us in the shop or contact us to discuss your requirements.

We offer a range of hand-finished frames in custom sizes, which you can browse
here.

We stock a much wider range of mouldings in our shop that are not yet available online. However, we are able to post completed framing orders. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

‘Conservation framing’ describes the use of materials and techniques that protect artwork, while avoiding practices that could damage its appearance or value.

• We use appropriate materials, such as acid-free mount board and specialist tape.
• We ensure the framing process is fully reversible, so the picture or object can be removed at a later date without damage.
• We never trim or fold a picture to fit a frame unless this is discussed and agreed with the customer.
• When framing objects, we never use adhesives to fix items to mounts.
• We never flatten a picture by sticking it down to a board unless this is discussed and agreed with the customer.

Using the wrong materials can severely affect the look and value of a piece. Works on paper are especially sensitive. Examples of damage include:

• Yellowing and discolouration caused by mount board that is not acid-free. This is common in older works on paper, and re-mounting in an acid-free mount can help prevent further damage.
• Damage from unsuitable tapes such as sellotape or masking tape, which can stain or tear the paper over time.
• Moisture damage when artwork touches the glass. We frame works on paper with a mount (or spacers) to keep the artwork away from the glass and allow air circulation.
• Damage from adhesives used to stick artwork to a backing board.

No. When carried out correctly, conservation framing is designed to protect your artwork while it is on display, not harm it. For older or more fragile pieces, conservation framing is especially important, as it helps protect against condensation, UV light, acidic materials and accidental damage.

Yes. We have extensive experience handling fragile and valuable artwork. Conservation framing is particularly important for these pieces, as it helps protect them from condensation, UV light, acidic materials and accidental damage.

Yes. All of the techniques we use are fully reversible, allowing the artwork to be safely removed from the mount or frame in the future without damage.

Yes. We use mount board that meets Fine Art Trade Guild conservation standards, along with specialist acid-free tapes, to ensure your artwork is protected. Acidic materials can cause yellowing and foxing in works on paper over time.

The best way to prevent fading depends on the medium and age of the artwork. We always recommend hanging work out of direct sunlight, and we also offer specialist UV-protective glass. We are happy to advise on the most suitable conservation options for your specific piece when you book it in for framing.

The most suitable glass for your artwork depends on several factors, including where it will be displayed, how old or valuable the piece is, and how vulnerable it is to fading. We are happy to advise on the best conservation option for your specific artwork when you book it in for framing.

When choosing where to hang a picture, consider the following:

• Direct sunlight: UV light causes artwork on paper to fade, with watercolours being particularly susceptible. Modern reproduction prints and oil or acrylic paintings are generally less sensitive. For valuable or delicate pieces, it’s best to hang them out of direct sunlight or use specialist UV-protective glass.
• Humidity and damp: Paper absorbs moisture from the air, and hanging a picture on a damp wall can cause condensation inside the frame. Moisture can lead to buckling, warping or discolouration.
• Temperature changes: Paper is sensitive to heat. Hanging artwork above a heat source (such as a radiator) can cause it to warp or deteriorate over time.

There are no strict rules about whether a picture will deteriorate in a particular location. The best approach is to monitor the artwork and look out for any changes over time.

A mount is the card border placed between the artwork and the frame. It creates a visual space around the image, helping to draw the eye towards the artwork and improving its overall presentation.

A mount also serves an important practical purpose: it keeps the artwork from touching the glass, which helps prevent condensation damage and sticking. While not every piece must have a mount, most works on paper benefit from having one, both for protection and appearance.

Yes. We offer a wide range of mounts in both standard and custom sizes, available to order online. You can browse our mounting options
here.

The width of a mount depends on the size of the artwork, good design practice and personal preference. We are happy to advise on the most suitable mount width when you bring your work in for framing.

Yes. We use a computer-controlled mount cutting machine to ensure accurate and consistent results, and we can create mounts with multiple apertures. We are also happy to advise on the most suitable layout and arrangement for your artwork.

Yes. We stock a wide range of over 70 colours, including white-core, black-core, metallic and extra-thick mount boards.

Yes. In addition to square and rectangular apertures, we can cut ovals, circles and a wide range of custom or complex shapes.

Yes. We offer conservation-level float and pedestal mounting, allowing artwork to be displayed with a visible border around the edges while being securely and reversibly fixed in place.

Yes. We can add traditional wash lines and V-groove decoration to mounts, as well as captions in a variety of fonts.

Yes. In fact, it is often advisable to remount artwork when an older mount has become yellowed or discoloured over time. Reusing the existing frame is also a cost-effective way to give a piece a fresh appearance while improving its long-term protection.

We offer a range of glazing options, including standard 2mm glass, diffused 2mm glass, several types of low-reflection and UV-protective glass, and acrylic (perspex) glazing.

Glass is perfectly safe for most domestic settings. We always use high-quality fittings on the back of frames and can advise on the best way to hang your picture securely.

Acrylic glazing is a good choice where breakage is more likely, such as in public buildings, or where the overall weight of the framed piece needs to be kept to a minimum.

Yes. We have extensive experience framing large artworks and can advise on the most suitable mouldings and fixings to ensure they are displayed securely.

Yes. Please bring the frame into the shop and we can safely remove the broken glass and replace it with new glazing.

We regularly work with artists, galleries and businesses, and are happy to discuss discounts for larger orders. For trade enquiries, please contact us at courtyardgallery@live.co.uk.

Yes. All framed work leaves our workshop ready to hang, and we can also cello wrap mounted artwork so it is fully prepared for exhibition.

We regularly work with artists, galleries and businesses, and are happy to discuss discounts for larger orders. For trade enquiries, please contact us at courtyardgallery@live.co.uk.