Conservation Framing Solutions for Museums & Collections
Before entering professionally managed museums, galleries and archives, many collections, historic works and significant artworks have often spent years—or even decades—in less controlled environments. Temperature fluctuations, humidity, airborne pollutants, ultraviolet light, wall moisture and unsuitable framing materials may all contribute to gradual deterioration over time.
Projects are approached with consideration for both the individual object and the requirements of the institution, collection or exhibition for which the framing is intended.
Every Collection Is Different
Museum collections vary considerably in age, condition, significance and intended purpose.
Some projects involve preparing artworks for public exhibition, while others relate to archival storage, travelling exhibitions, newly acquired works or privately held collections.
Accordingly, framing approaches are developed collaboratively and remain specific to the individual artwork, collection and conservation objectives of each project.
Conservation Principles
Every project should be thoughtfully presented while recognising that unnecessary intervention should be avoided and historically significant material respected wherever practical.
Where practical, framing methods are designed to remain fully reversible, allowing artworks to be removed from their framing systems in the future without unnecessary damage or permanent alteration.
Depending on the objectives of the project, existing framing elements may also be retained as part of the overall conservation approach.
We regularly contribute to projects involving the careful reuse of original frame mouldings, liners, slips and other historically significant framing components where their retention supports the provenance, integrity and ongoing stewardship of the object.
Depending on the project, this may include:
Archival & Conservation-Grade Materials • Reversible Mounting Methods • Cotton Archival-Grade Backings • UV-Filtering Glass & Acrylics • Stable Support Materials • Careful Retention of Significant Historic Framing Elements
Flexible Project Delivery
Not every project is suited to transporting artwork away from its current location.
For particularly significant, fragile or culturally important works, institutions may prefer that artworks remain within the care of their own collection staff throughout the framing process.
Where appropriate, we are happy to adapt our role to suit the requirements of the project. This may include supplying conservation-grade framing materials for framing to be completed in-house by experienced museum staff, or undertaking framing on-site where suitable workshop facilities are available.
This flexible approach allows specialist framing work to be completed while respecting the handling procedures, conservation protocols and operational requirements of each institution.
Museums & Collections We’ve Assisted
We have been privileged to contribute to projects for museums, galleries and significant collections throughout New Zealand, including:
Sarjeant Gallery • Archives New Zealand • National Library of New Zealand • New Zealand Rugby Museum • Whakatāne Museum & Research Centre • National Army Museum • Private Collections
For many years we also worked alongside Detlef Klein of Museum Services, contributing to museum and collection framing projects throughout New Zealand. We continue to collaborate with conservator Maria Batiz where specialist conservation treatment forms part of a project’s broader scope.
These projects have included exhibition framing, archival presentation, oversized works and conservation-focused framing for significant collections.
Professional Services Include
Museum Exhibition Framing • Conservation Picture Framing • Archival Mounting • Historic Documents • Collection Display • Oversized Artwork • UV-Protective Glazing • Conservation Consultation
Not Local?
We regularly work with museums, galleries, institutions and private collectors throughout New Zealand.
Projects can be discussed by phone, email or video consultation before artwork is securely transported to our Palmerston North workshop.
Why Choose Van Uffelen to work alongside your institution?
PPFA & FATG Standards • Conservation-Conscious Framing • Reversible Framing Methods • Trusted Since 1985 • Nationwide Service • Experience Working Alongside Museums & Conservators
Whether you’re preparing an exhibition, reframing a significant work or undertaking a conservation-focused project, we’d welcome the opportunity to discuss your requirements.
We value collaborative working relationships with museums, galleries, conservators and collection professionals, providing specialist framing support where additional workshop facilities, resources or production capacity are required.
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