Why we remount framed prints and lithographs

When collecting antique and vintage framed art prints, it is important that a conservator remount each piece with modern standards of framing. Anything framed prior to the 1980s is assumed to be mounted with acidic papers, adhesives, backing, and tapes. These acidic materials will, overtime, degrade paper fibers and cause brittleness and yellowing of the art piece.

All of our framed art prints are remounted using archival, acid-free matting, backing, dust covers, tapes, and adhesives. Even if the mounting seems to be in good shape, we will remount the piece to insure that no acidic products are used. We will generally either save or take pictures of old backing and mounting materials for the sake of aging and identifying the condition of the piece when we acquired it. Anything we remove from the original piece that is able to be saved is either sealed in an archival bag and secured inside the new dust cover or archived and will be included with the piece if it is transferred to another collection, made available for loan, or purchased.

If any deacidification, stabilization, conservation, or restoration has been completed on the frames or prints themselves while they were part of our collection or under our care, this will be noted in the listing and on the dust cover of the piece itself.

All remounted prints will include hand-written notes from the conservator similar to this one. If anything beyond remounting is done, it will be noted here, as well.