Build Your Frame
Choose your artwork size, mounting style, frame and glass to build your Essential frame.
I’m not taking new Essential framing projects at the moment. You can still explore the framing options and prices below, but new projects can’t currently be submitted. Please check back soon.
What are you framing?
Start by choosing what you're framing.
Print / artwork
Prints, illustrations and other works on paper in one of the Essential standard sizes.
Photograph
Photographic prints in one of the Essential standard sizes.
C-type or specialist photographic print?
These need different materials and mounting methods and are better suited to Bespoke Framing.
A C-type, or chromogenic, print is a traditional photographic print produced on light-sensitive photographic paper, often supplied by professional photo labs. If you're unsure what you have, that's fine. You can upload a photo later and I'll check it before confirming your project.
Poster
Posters in common standard sizes, like those sold in galleries, museums and gift shops.
Original artwork, limited editions, high-value items, C-type photographs, delicate papers and items of high sentimental importance should be treated with a higher level of preservation care. For these, choose Bespoke Framing →
What is the paper size of your artwork?
Paper size means the full outside size of the artwork, including any plain border around the printed image. Image size means the printed or illustrated area itself.
170 × 257mm
Measure the complete artwork from outside edge to outside edge.
The printed or illustrated area inside any surrounding border.
Example: An A4 artwork with a 20mm plain border has a paper size of 210 × 297mm and an image size of 170 × 257mm.
How would you like your artwork mounted?
Window Mount
A window is cut into the mount so it sits around the image, with the edge of the artwork held safely behind it.
Float Mount
The whole artwork is shown without a window mount, so borders and paper edges remain visible.
Shadow Float Mount
The whole artwork is shown and raised slightly from the backing mount, creating depth and a soft shadow around the edge.
Close Framed
The artwork is mounted flat to a rigid support and framed without a visible mount border.
Please note: Close Framing uses a permanent adhesive mounting process.
Close Framing mounts the artwork flat to a rigid support using an adhesive process.
This method is reserved for lower-value, easily replaceable artwork and posters because the mounting process is permanent.
Choose your mount colour
Choose the colour that will sit around or behind your artwork.
Warm White
A soft, natural white that works well with most artwork.
Grey
A quieter neutral that can soften the contrast between artwork and frame.
Black
A stronger choice that gives the artwork a more graphic presentation.
Choose your frame
Essential frames are made from Ayous wood with an open-grain finish. Black and White have a matt finish, while Light Oak and Wenge use wood-effect finishes.
Frame finish
Black
Matt black with the natural open grain of the wood still visible.
White
Matt white with a subtle open-grain texture.
Light Oak
A light oak wood-effect finish over open-grain Ayous wood.
Wenge
A dark wood-effect finish with visible open grain.
Frame width
The available widths are based on the size of your artwork.
Choose your spacer
A spacer keeps the glass away from the artwork. Choose a standard finish, or add colour as part of the frame.
Standard
Matched to your mount colour for a simple, understated finish.
Included
Coloured
A great way to personalise your frame by adding a colour that complements the artwork.
+ £15Choose your glass
Standard glass is included. For virtually reflection-free glass with better clarity, choose ArtGlass AR70.
Standard glass
Clear standard float glass.
IncludedArtGlass AR70
Low-iron, anti-reflective glass for better clarity and more natural colour.
AR70 is low-iron glass, so it has much less of the green tint you can see in standard glass. Colours look more natural and fine detail is easier to see.
Its anti-reflective coating reduces reflections to around 1% and allows around 98% of visible light through, so the glass almost disappears in normal viewing.
AR70 also blocks around 70% of UV light. This gives useful everyday protection, but it is not conservation-level UV glazing. For original, valuable or particularly light-sensitive artwork, I can advise on higher-protection glass through Bespoke Framing.
Original, valuable, highly sentimental or light-sensitive artwork may benefit from higher-performance glazing and a more protective framing specification. I can advise on the appropriate options through Bespoke Framing →
Your frame
Check the choices below. Your artwork and measurements will also be checked in the studio before framing begins.
Based on the choices you've made above.
Your Artwork
Give it a short name. You’ll add the artwork photo when you send the project to the studio.
How will you bring it in?
Choose the option that best matches your artwork.
Flat / safely wrapped
Flat, sleeved, wrapped or protected in an envelope.
Rolled in a tube
Rolled artwork may need time to relax and flatten safely before framing.
Your Artwork
Here is a summary of the framing project you’ve built.
Essential prices are reviewed from time to time as material and production costs change.
Ready to send?
Send your project specification to the studio. Add your email address and a photo of the artwork; your project details will be sent automatically.
New Essential framing projects can’t currently be submitted. Please check back soon.
Test complete
The framing request journey has completed successfully. Nothing has been emailed, uploaded or stored.
What will happen when this goes live?
Please bring each artwork safely protected, wrapped, sleeved or in an envelope. Rolled artwork can be brought in a tube, although it may need time to relax and flatten safely before framing.
Please don't bring artwork without an appointment or send artwork by post, courier or another delivery service.
Let me know when I confirm your project and I can apply your Gift Certificate to the framing balance.