Q: I have a vintage Hermes scarf from my grandmother, and while it is very special to me, I'm really not one to wear scarves so I'm looking to get it framed. I have asked a few framers and received a "deer in headlights" look from them and admit they have never done so, but "could".
This doesn't instill confidence. I have even asked at Hermes to see if they have any recommendations but they are not allowed to recommend framers as they now sell they own "scarf display hardware" which pulls your scarf across a wall (not for me). Has anyone had a scarf framed with great success in NYC and if so, by whom?
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I've never had anything other than prints framed here, but a coworker had a piece of cross stitched linen framed and it was extremely successful- obviously very different from a scarf, but headed in the right direction nonetheless, and they may be worth talking to. Here's the info:
Jack's Art Gallery
2855 Broadway, New York, NY 10025
(212) 749-5554
I don't live in the area but used this blog to frame a scarf and it worked out really well.
http://high-heelfootinthedoor.blogspot.com/2010/10/how-to-frame-scarf.html
You can try this place:
Big Apple Art Gallery
1456 2nd Ave
New York, NY 10021
Between 76th & 77th St
212-570-5710
Try J. Pocker. I know they have done antique quilts. They are very good. On the high side but worth it. www.jpocker.com
Here is a description of how a scarf should be framed. I don't know anything about framers in New York, but it sounds like a skilled seamstress could adhere the scarf to the backing and then you could either put it
in a frame yourself or have it done.
http://www.ascherstudio.com/blog/1823
CCKelly is on the right track. Framers who frame cross stitch are going to be more willing to help you. I am thinking this scarf is going to need to be mounted on another piece of fabric. I would consider stitching it to a piece of cotton (no synthetics!) and having it stretched like a piece of cross stitch. Framers are used to taping or gluing prints onto board. Taping or gluing fabric is probably what is freaking them out. And we are talking about an expensive piece of fabric here!
Sounds like a fun project, good luck!
Although I don't live in NY, I have had several pieces of vintage fabric framed that I picked up on a trip to India several years ago.
My framer used a suede mat behind them and we chose museum glass to protect them from UV light. They are also framed in a shallow shadow box design which allows them to have a bit more dimensional quality. The museum glass and care in attaching the piece to the mat are two important steps in the process to preserve your piece. It's really worth the investment as you'll enjoy it for many, many years.
It looks like you have some good resources already listed.
I recently had a french linen dishtowel framed by a local guy and he said it needed a "mounting board". Don't know what that is, but it looks great.
i'm not surprised you're getting the deer in headlight response. the scarf is probably silk yes? find a better frame shop (not michaels) and ask if they have experience framing old japanese silk paintings as this would be a more common job but very similar. don't stop until you've found a frame shop that has done this.
i had some old silk paintings framed 10 years ago. used acid free, archival quality everything and they still look perfect today.
p.s. it's a wonderful idea to preserve something like that, good luck to you!
I recently had an Hermes scarf framed and it turned out excellent. The framer I used was kind of random, but I shopped around a bit and he seemd every bit as knowledgable at a fraction of the price. One framer wanted $450-500!!!! I ended up paying around $120 at 2nd Avenue Art Expo, and it was perfect. I have since had him do several other scarves for me (I am a little addicted). I beleive it is the owner who runs the shop and does all the framing and he is very patient and most importantly, listens.
Second Avenue Art Expo
980 Second Ave
Manhattan, NY 10022
cross street is 52nd
(212) 223-9095
And it's a total bonus that Buttercup Bakeshop is across the street
I had several special artists' edition Louis Vuitton scarves (a tiny bit larger than Hermès scarves) framed over ten years ago with museum glass/UV protection as well - totally worth the extra money as all the colors are as vibrant as ever. I always get compliments on my "paintings" (people think they are hand-painted art) as the framer did an amazing job.
I'm so glad you posted this. I have too many scarves but am always reluctant to give certain special Pucci and Missoni pieces up. I may consider framing them instead. There is a framer in Hawaii who specializes in framing non paper items, including Hawaiian quilts so I'm sure they could handle it.
No lie, my gynecologist has about 8 framed Hermes scarfs in her office. I guess you could call or e-mail her office and see if anyone knows where they were done: Dr Elizabeth Poynor
http://www.drelizabethpoynor.com/index.html
I'm surprised you're getting the "deer in headlights" reaction. This should be fairly standard. I recommend you go to a professional framer, i.e. not Michaels, nothing in the mall, etc. It will be expensive, but if it's done properly it will look amazing while be protected for years to come.
J Pocker is the best in the city. They can do (and have done) most anything. I've had them restore valuable art and archive frame a few truly unique pieces. They have frames at varying price points, as well.
If you really want a stunning display, go for a plexi box with space on the sides, etc., so as to make it a real eye-catching piece.
I did that with Thai baby carriers.
The first thing is that all materials need to be archival and appropriate for silk. Then that the silk should not sit up against the glasss. Make sure that no wood or plastic that out gasses, etc. Is used.
You can read up on textile conservation sites - maybe the Textile Museum in DC or the Smithstonian. you might need to go to a textile conservator to have it mounted on muslin, etc. before it is framed.
Once you know what to ask for, you can talk to stores and see who knows what and then who you can afford.
@kimdog: hahahah! first mention of a gyno I've seen on AT. Thanks for the chuckle.
I absolutely agree with those who suggest going to a cross-stitch framer. They know how to properly work with framing fabric, and how to to deal with precious, heirloom objects.
rifnyc, do you mind sharing a photo of your framed scarf? Thanks for the recommendation, I plan to go there this weekend!
You can upload your photo for free at imageshack.us
One option is Galleria in Westfield, NJ. Gerardo, the owner, has done excellent work for me and my clients. He also owns a couple of shops in Manhattan so you would not have to make a trip to NJ. I believe he acquired his framing skills in Italy. Here is a review on yelp:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/galleria-west-art-and-framing-westfield. You may also wish to contact Brian Nault at Nault Fine Art. He is a well-respected fine art dealer and collector. One of his specialties is African art and he has some old African textiles in his gallery. He also
offers framing services. I have not utilized his services but would feel confident giving him a
try. Here is his web-site: http://web.me.com/briannault/Site/Home.html. Finally, you may attempt to contact Cameron Silver. He is the owner of Decades, a famous vintage clothing
boutique in Los Angeles. I do not know him personally but have met and spoken with him while shopping in his boutique. We happened to have a conversation about Hermes. He is warm and friendly as well as an expert on vintage clothing. He would know the proper handling of your scarf or may even recommend someone himself. Here is the web-site:
http://www.decadesinc.com/contact.shtml. Good luck! I bet your scarf is gorgeous. I love Hermes scarves and have always wanted to frame one!
I didn't see this post until now, with an end of the year round-up, but I framed one Hermes scarf (silk) by taking it to a framer that my local museum recommended - and - while not inexpensive it did the trick and I know my scarf hasn't lost any of its value as a result.
I want to add another vote for J Pocker!
They framed an Hermes scarf for me beautifully! They can be pricey but you can trust them to do a good job. They are
also lovely to deal with.
I started enjoying scarves then seemed to get drawn into vintage. And now really appreciate the history and what to look out for. I go to Shoreditch for scarves and also Peekaboo in London. Online I tend to watch https://thescarfboutique.co.uk/categories/SCARVES/Vintage/ some great ones come up but they sell quick. I have my scarves displayed in my bedroom and my special ones I have framed around the house. It is difficult to get them framed well as they have to mounted in a special way, but they look beautiful on the wall, especially with a wall light.