 The
Fine Art Trade Guild's standards for mountboard are directed to the composition,
combination and characteristics of papers and paper boards used in the
framing of artwork, keepsakes and memorabilia. They help to give material
categorisation of these to fit into the Guild's Five Levels of Framing.
Guild Member mountboard manufacturers and distributors Arqadia,
Crescent,
Daler-Rowney,
Great Art, James
Cropper, LION,
Nielsen
Design, and Slater
Harrison(Colourmount) agreed in June 2004 to achieve compliance by
January 2005.
Mountboard needs to meet
at least the Standard Board specification in order to be deemed to be
suitable for professional framing. However, Standard Mountboard is only
suitable for Commended, Budget and Minimum levels of framing. The quality
of boards in this category vary greatly and framers should look closely
at manufacturers' specifications as well as their product descriptions,
to differentiate them. Some have 'conservation core and backing', but
this does not raise them to Conservation level framing standard. They
are not deemed suitable for collectable artwork, eg original paintings
and limited edition prints of moderate to high value. It is a prerequisite
that the type of surface and texture of any board purporting to meet Guild
Standards be specified. If the surface is designed to accept decoration
and embellishments, as in the case of most mountboard, it should be fit
for the purpose. (FACTS, USA, Test No. 6-97).
For Conservation level framing, mountboard that complies fully with the
detailed specifications for Guild Conservation Board should be used, as
a minimum. Cotton Museum Board is also acceptable for Conservation level
framing but may be expensive for some jobs. Cotton Museum Board is the
only standard of mountboard suitable for Museum level framing. Trade suppliers
that have confirmed which of their products comply with the Guild standards
can be viewed by clicking here.
The Guild accepts this. The boards should be clearly differentiated; if
not, buyers are advised to check. There should no longer be ranges marketed
as 'conservation' that contain mountboards with facing papers that bleed.
There should no longer be misleading or confusing terminology. Where such
things continue, please advise the Guild so that they can continue to
improve compliance and clarity.
Note that some markets internationally do not make a distinction between
Museum and Conservation Framing. In others, the terminology is reversed,
with 'conservation framing' denoting a higher standard than 'museum'.
The Guild Standards were developed primarily to satisfy the needs and
expectations of the UK market, both trade and consumer. Used in conjunction
with the Guild's Five Levels of Framing and with careful reference to
the glossary for accurate interpretation of terminology, they can be used
effectively worldwide.
The Guild identifies the following standard of mountboard:
Cotton Museum Board
Conservation Board
Standard Mountboard
Mountboard suppliers able to certify their product meets the Guild Standards
should contact the Guild if they wish them to be added to the listing.
Email: info@fineart.co.uk
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