We're hoping that this list will cover most of the
questions you might have about us. If not, feel free to e-mail any
questions to questions@bartlettframing.com and we will be happy to
respond.
How much will it cost to frame my
picture?
The honest answer is, “We don't
know.” Due to the many variables including size, mats, glass, and
frame (to name a few), any answer would be no more than a guess. We
would rather tell you this truth than give you a low cost in hope of
enticing you to come to our shop.
Having said that, we would love for you
to bring in your project so we can give you an exact estimate based
on the best look for your specific piece of art.
How long will it take to finish
framing my artwork?
Our normal
turn-around time is two weeks. We are more than happy to
make accommodations for projects needing to be done on a deadline.
Do you run sales, have coupons, or
offer discounts?
At Bartlett
Gallery & Framing, we value honesty in our pricing. We offer a
consistent price equal with the value of the materials and techniques
we provide for your artwork.
We have done a lot
of research about sales and coupons in the framing industry. We found
that the 50% offers were either worded in such a way to only give the
discount on the frame and exclude mats, glass, and everything else or
the framing was grossly overpriced in order to offer a seemingly
large discount.
Also,
many shops offer a coupon essentially all the time. We won't name any
specific retailer, but if you are so inclined, take a moment to read
this press release:http://www.ag.ny.gov/press-release/ag-schneiderman-secures-18-million-michaels-stores-misleading-consumers
Basically, if a
store offers a certain discount in every newspaper, magazine, or
mailer all the time; you're not getting an honest sale price, you're
paying a regular retail price disguised as a sale.
Is my artwork framed on the premises
or elsewhere?
We order materials
from both local and national suppliers; some who import their frames
from Europe, but every project is produced on site by us.
Does my artwork need glass?
In almost every
case, yes; although glass is usually not used on oil or acrylic
paintings.
Some craftspeople
do not like to cover cross-stitches, needle-points, or embroidery due
to the idea that the glass can hide some of the detail inherent in
the fabrics. We disagree with this strongly. Without the protection
from dust, damage, and fading that glass provides, art on fabric will
get dingy and fade in a fairly short time. This is true for any
artwork other than the aforementioned oils and acrylics.
How should my picture be mounted?
It
depends on the piece. As a general guideline, readily replaceable
prints can be permanently mounted on a board. Anything that has
potential value, either monetarily or historically needs to be
mounted in a way that preserves the piece and is 100% reversible.
With our combined
forty years of experience, we will know the proper way to take care
of your artwork.
What does matting do?
Matting provides
space between the art and the frame, separates the glass for the
surface of the art, and should also enhance the overall beauty of the
artwork.
How do I hang my framing?
We
include standard hanging hardware with every project, based on the
size and weight of the framing. If your picture needs to hang on a
surface that does not allow the use of a standard hanger, let us know
and we will try to find the right hanging solution for you.
Can you repair a damaged frame?
In
many cases, yes. We must see the frame to know for sure so please
bring it to us and we'd be happy to evaluate the frame and fix it if
possible.
Can you clean or repair my artwork?
We
can do very limited cleaning or mending of artwork on paper. Art on
canvas, photos, or fabric need a trained professional conservator.
Do you buy or take artwork on
consignment?
Almost
all the secondary market for artwork has shifted to the online
marketplace through sites like ebay or craigslist. As such, we no
longer take consignments and only buy artwork through licensed
publishers.
Can you tell me the value of my
artwork?
We
have no resource different than what is available to you. A search on
ebay should tell you what a particular piece of art is selling for at
the moment. Any more requires the help of an appraiser who has
resources available for a fee. Contact the American Society of
Appraisers at www.appraisers.org
for help finding an appraiser near you.