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Awell-chosen frame is essential for bringing out the best in an artwork, although when it comes to framing, the outer border is really only the beginning.
The matting, mounting board and type of glass will all have an impact. One of the most influential aspects, however, is also the least utilised: the fillet.
Fillets are thin, inner frames that sit next to an image, beneath the glass and separated from the outer moulding by the mat.
Eco Frame and Mirror owner Graeme Patching says the depth and sense of gravitas fillets provide makes them an exceptionally good addition for any wallhanging worthy of special attention.
‘‘A fillet is great with a degree certificate, a photo, a painting, and it’s fantastic on posters because it gives it that defined boundary and extra dimension.
‘‘We’ve been trying to show customers how much a fillet can enhance an artwork so we’re keeping a small gold fillet and a silver one on special,’’ he says.
Eco Frame and Mirror, on Colombo St in Sydenham, is something of an Aladdin’s cave of framing materials, filled to the brim with boutique mouldings and fillets from around the world.
Mirrors climb the walls and all around are racks of thick card, delicate timber lengths and flashes of gold trim. Heavy, well-worn tables are squeezed in for consultations.
With its own specialised fillet cutting machine, Eco Frame and Mirror custommakes frames for anything that can be hung. This includes sporting memorabilia, family heirlooms such as medals, graduate degrees and oil paintings.
‘‘Everyone has something they could put on their wall. Often it’s just a case of them finding the time to get it done,’’ Patching says.
The approach of Christmas usually spurs more people into action, with items coming in for framing as gifts.
Reframing an existing artwork in a more modern style can be especially poignant, Patching says.
Gift vouchers from Eco Frame and Mirror are also available so recipients can choose what they would most like displayed or enhanced.
The turnaround for most framing is about three weeks, so now is a good time to start planning, Patching says.
Consultations are free at Eco Frame and Mirror and experienced staff are able take the lead on design whenever necessary. Support can also be extended to positioning and hanging artworks securely within a home – a service that is particularly useful when moving into a new property.
❚ Visit the Eco Frame and Mirror showroom Monday to Saturday at 394 Colombo St, Sydenham. For more information, call
03 377 0223 or visit frameandmirror.co.nz.