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With today's digital power, images can often be restored and repaired. The reference here, however, is directed to the condition of your old frames. Years of neglect or occasional transport may cause structural weakness to a frame. Things break! We repair broken hanger wires, redo dust covers, clean frame interiors and glass, replace broken glass and soiled or faded mattes; and it can all begin by having a general inspection followed by consultation. Figure A below, shows the aged dust cover of a recent job. The frame looks rough but it was in fine condition. We estimated or at least guessed it to have been manufactured in the 1890's. We have already removed the hanging system at this point.
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The old eyelets and wire were about to fall apart and become detached from the frame. This condition is what prompted our customer to ask us to take a look. Evidence indicated that prior maintenance took place during the mid 1930's. Figure B shows the need of doing what you can with available materials during the Great Depression. The artwork was fine and the antiquity of the matte complimented the image. We decided against updating the matte board. It would have been shameful to replace the glass as its old pot-marked surface also fit the aged venue. If broken or cracked it could have been replaced with a modern glazing. Prior to installing a new and stronger hanging system we attached a full surfaced acid free backboard and new dustcover.