Framing a Series of Dorothea Rockburne Prints

Assessing the Artwork
Designing a Custom Framing Solution
Contemporary Whitewashed Maple Shadowbox frames – A Refreshing Result

Assessing the Artwork – Reimaging Frame Design

A client contacted us because he wanted to update the framing solutions for this series of Dorothea Rockburne prints. He felt that the acrylic cases were dated and wanted to go with a more contemporary frame design.

The works themselves were a combination of relief etching and aquatint on folded paper. They were hinged to silk-wrapped wooden strainer supports and housed in clear acrylic cases.

Framing a Series of Dorothea Rockburne Prints - Before Reframing

Before Reframing a Series of Dorothea Rockburne Prints - Old Acrylic Boxes

A key element to framing is the ability to find balance between beauty and thoughtful design. A frame should compliment and elevate the artwork without bringing too much attention to itself. Sometimes a little updating is all that’s necessary to breathe new life into a piece.

Designing a Custom Framing Solution

Instead of the original acrylic box, they liked the idea of an off-white natural wood finish. Multiple variations of off-white frame samples were made for comparison. Each sample had a different combination of wood type and stain application which created subtle differences between them. A diagram was created to illustrate each component of the new frame.

An important aspect of the design was to utilize the strainer support, which added dimensionality and created a sculptural feel. The artworks remained attached to their mounts and were floated inside the frame with wood spacers and Optium acrylic glazing. The Optium acrylic provides 99% UV protection, has an anti-glare coating which significantly reduces reflections, and is anti-static. It is lightweight and safer to handle than glass.

Contemporary Whitewashed Maple Shadowbox frames – A Refreshing Result

The end result is a refined and elegant design. The added space around the artwork allows the viewer to properly visualize all of the unique aspects within each piece. The off-white frame with finished corners presents a clean border and fluid transition from art to frame. It is a far cry from the tightly-fitting enclosure of the plain acrylic cases.