10/10/2026
FRAMING: IS IT REALLY THAT IMPORTANT?
With Lovejoy’s framing service launching soon, we thought it was a good opportunity to explore something we don’t always give much thought to: what actually goes into framing something properly?
And it’s not just paintings. Photographs, certificates, football shirts, medals and treasured memorabilia can all be framed, too.
Over the next three posts, we’ll explore the cost, the craftsmanship and the care behind professional framing.
EPISODE ONE: WHY DOES FRAMING COST SO MUCH?
Why spend £150 framing a picture when you can buy a frame for £25?
It’s a fair question. But here’s something worth considering: a frame isn’t simply a decorative border. It can change how we see a picture, how well it’s presented and, in some cases, how well it’s preserved.
A ready-made frame is designed around a standard size. Professional framing starts with the individual piece. What sort of frame will complement it? Would a mount give it breathing space? Should the glazing sit directly against the artwork, or does it need a gap? And which materials are right for the job?
These aren’t just aesthetic decisions. A watercolour, for example, can be vulnerable to moisture and unsuitable materials. A photograph, an oil painting and a signed football shirt can all need different approaches.
Then there’s the craftsmanship itself: accurate measuring, cutting, joining and assembly. A tiny error can affect the whole finish. Getting everything to fit neatly and look right takes skill, experience and time.
Think of it a little like a suit. You can buy one off the peg, or have one tailored to you. There’s nothing wrong with either, but there’s something special about having something made with you in mind. Framing works in much the same way.
Of course, not every picture needs bespoke framing. It’s not about spending more for the sake of it. It’s about understanding what you’re framing and giving it the presentation and protection it deserves.
Because there’s a difference between finding a frame that fits and creating one that’s right for the thing inside it.
Next time: the craft behind the frame — and the technical skills you might never have realised were involved.