Fringe Arts: Framing News

I have recently had a spate of very large items to frame including a valuable Chinese Embroidery (2mx1.5m), 4 Moroccan Kilims (rugs) (each 1.5m sq) but the "piece de resistance" was a tapestry for a local college which measured a staggering 33' (10 metres) by 22" (55cms).

Bayeux Tapestry

It was a copy of the Bayeaux Tapestry but stitched by the school children over a period of 12 years. Because of the vast size I was unable to actually put the whole thing together to check it until I arrived at its final resting point, a Chapel at the College.

The tapestry was laced over sections of foam board which I could lay in a concertina fashion for delivery purposes. On arrival this was subsequently opened out, pushed together and tightened. The wide ash frame was in sections with butt joints and dowels. Again, these were assembled on site and braced with substantial metal plates. Artshield acrylic glass was used both for safety and weight issues and this was placed into the frame in sections which were joined by a superglue type adhesive.

The whole thing was finally braced along the entire length with hardboard and wooden struts. It was a challenging job and took a great deal of time to work out the best way to handle it. However, it all went together beautifully and the College were delighted with the results.

I can't think there are many framers who have framed items this long but I would be happy to hear from you if there are.

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