Needlepoint is a type of embroidery on canvas using wool yarns.
We stretch the needlepoint onto a conservation board glued to a 3mm medium density board
which makes a strong support, however large needlepoints can be stretched like paintings onto
stretcher bars. This reduces the overall weight and also If the needlepoint goes slack the wooden wegdes can be tapped
in to expand the bars slightly pulling the the canvas taught. Sometimes needlepoints require squaring prior to stretching
if the canvas is badly out of square. This is achieved by dampening the yarns so they become more pliable, and fixing the
needlepoint on a wooden base until dry, after which it can be easily stretched square.
We use conservation paper tape to seal the glass to the conservation board, which prevents the intrusion of dust and insects. A solid 3mm medium density board is used as a final backing board and this is fixed to the frame and sealed with a long lasting gum paper tape. Finally felt pads are placed on the bottom corners to give a space between the picture and wall, which promotes air circulation, also the pads grip the wall making constant level adjustments unnecessary.
To reduce reflections especially from windows and lights we recommend a small box such as a matchbox wedged behind the
top edge of the frame. This tilts the picture slightly down towards the floor minimizing reflections.
An alternative to float glass is 2mm diffuse glass, which is surface eched and therefore does not reflect. The downside
is that less light is transmitted through the glass, resulting in darker colours and reduced clarity. This glass however
is normally suitable for most prints, photographs, and needlework, where no spacer is employed. We also offer
a low relection glass, which when viewed at the optimium viewing angle, directly opposite
the framed image, the glass tends to disappear.
Needlepoints can be framed without glass, however most people like to protect the fabric from dirt and insects. Glass
should not rest directly on top of the needlepoint. A spacer or double mount should be employed to give a space
between fabric and glass. This ensures that any condensation that forms on the inside of the glass due to sudden
temperature changes will not easily be absorbed into the needlework.
Wool is sensitive to sunlight, ultraviolet light will degrade the fibers, therefore it is important that Needlepoint is not placed
opposite windows, or under spotlight, and fluorescent lights. If strong lighting conditions cannot be avoided,
UV Filtered Glass should be used to prevent fading and degading of the fabric.
Conservation Board
We use a solid white conservation board from Arqadia. Made from a high quality bleached alpha cellulose, the board is
essentially lignin-free (see Acid entry ). Under accelerated ageing conditions the board changes from pH 9.4 unaged, to pH 7.5
over a 100 years; pH 7.5 in 150 years; pH 7.5 in 200 years.
2.5mm UV Filtered Glass
We use Tru Vue Conservation Clear 2.5mm Glass which has a filter on the side facing the Artwork. This
absorbs 98% of the damaging UV energy that exists just beyond the violet end of the visable spectrum. It is important to realize
that UV Glass does not offer complete protection, and Artwork should still be shielded from direct and excessive sunlight.
UV is defined as energy within the 300-400 nanometer range. Ultraviolet (UV) light transmits energy into the atoms of the object
it strikes. This energy excites the atoms and transforms them into new substances, which manifests in artwork as fading and degradation
of paper and fabrics.
Conservation Paper Tape
We use this conservation to seal the glass/mount/foamboard package to prevent the intrusion of dust and insects.
The tape is an acid free, water based, non-ageing, non-yellowing with a elastic acrylate adhesive.
Stretcher Bars
These normally have tongue and groove expandable mitres, and is essentially a wooden frame onto which the fabric is attached.
This method is suitable for framing large fabrics when the weight of the supporting structure is excessive.
Low Reflection Glass
Approximately only 92% of light is transmitted through glass, the rest is reflected towards the viewer. Low reflection glass
transmitts over 99% of light, giving a brighter, clearer image, with minimal reflection. Most types of Low-Reflection glass
are coated with a multi-layer optical interference coating (OIC) which is very similar to the lens on cameras and binocolars.
Coated glass must be handled and cleaned with care, as the coating can be vulnerable
to scratching.