What we do
The Conservation Framers Special Interest Group (CF-SIG) represents a diverse group of conservation and conservation-adjacent professionals working with artworks and frames in Australia.
Conservation-grade practices are the critical foundation for protecting our varied and rare cultural heritage. These items require a wide range of knowledge in how to mount, hinge, glaze, and store correctly. Some prints, paintings, and documents may require historically appropriate framing, including reproduction frames, ornamental and gilt frames, decorative mount designs, and period aesthetic considerations.
The main objective of this group is to advance and share conservation framing knowledge and skills. This includes organizing talks, tours, workshops, and other related events.
We are committed to maintaining both traditional and contemporary skill sets relating to all aspects of framing and improving the awareness of period frames, artist frames and regard for cultural heritage in our unique and varied practice settings.
Who we are
Charley-Lois Davis (she-her)
Charley-Lois is a traditional and reproduction frame maker working in Melbourne and co-directs Rich & Davis Artisan Frame Makers with her business partner. Her special interests include Australian frame history, artist-made frames and artist/frame maker relationships and conservation framing practices. Practical skill interests include gilding, ornament making, gesso work, faux-finishing, rare finishes, reproduction frame methodology and skill-sharing/teaching.
Ben Pickard (he-him)
Ben is a conservation framer who operates his business, Art Conservation Framers, in Melbourne. His special interests include the practical applications of conservation framing and materials in non-controlled settings and surrounds.
Resources
Picture Framers Guild of Australia – Conservation and Museum Standards Reference:
pfga.org.au/general-framing-standards/
National Gallery of Victoria Frames and Frame Makers Database:
ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/conservation/frames/
Anita Gowers – Articles on Australian Framing:
journals.openedition.org/sillagescritiques/15038?lang=en
Lynn Roberts – Extensive blog on UK and European Frame History: