Matting for a Gallery Exhibit?

[CloakofStars9]

I will be showing my work in a gallery exhibition soon (for the first time) and was wondering if it's better to have a mat around the image. Is it more professional looking that way? Or is just the frame and the image acceptable?

Thanks for your help!

 

[ann]

You need to check with the gallery curator, however, it is standard to have an photo mounted on a backboard with a "window" placed over the photo to protect it from the glass as well as set up the photo for better presentation.

Usually photos are mounted with metal, (not always, but generally). The frame should be used to hold the presentation together not be the focal point , that should be the photo.

Check here for some tips.

http://www.framedestination.com/picture_frame_mounting.html

Yes, this company does sell supplies, but the information is correct across the board regardless where you purchase the supplies.

 

[KmH]

No doubt consult with the gallery where the exhibit will be held.

But for a show an often used set up is just a simple white bevel cut mat, and simple black frame.

I favor a bottom weighted mat.

Here is an example of a double mat. The inner mat color and the frame color were chosen from the image, and it is framed with the mats bottom weighted.

 

[CloakofStars9]

Thank you so much! I have contacted them and I am waiting for a response.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

Since the photo should never be against the glass, that means you need something in between. And that is the mat.

I didn't look at ann's link but, knowing her, it's got to be pretty good. I would certainly trust her.

JFYI, I used white mats and silver sectional-metal frames.

 

[ann]

well thank you cc, I was just re-reading what I said and realized "window" might not be familiar to a lot of folks. A window is a mat board cut our to fit the photo.
In my part of the photo world these materials should be archival.

 

[c.cloudwalker]

well thank you cc, I was just re-reading what I said and realized "window" might not be familiar to a lot of folks. A window is a mat board cut our to fit the photo.
In my part of the photo world these materials should be archival.

You're welcome.

And you are right to mention archival materials. It is so obvious to me, I didn't think of it either.

 

[KmH]

A mat is not the only way to keep a photograph away from glass. Clear plastic spacers can be used in lieu of a mat, but a mat helps separate an image from the texture of whatever surface the framed work is hung on.

Art Framing Spacers -- ALL IN STOCK !

The reason a photo should not touch the glazing in front of it, is because eventually the photo will stick to the glazing.

Polycarbonate or Acrylic is often used instead of glass, particularly when print get big.

Here is another source for mount/mat/frame supplies and information - Documounts :: Documounts 101

 

[CloakofStars9]

Thank you so much for the info!