Framing Textiles, Jerseys and Fabric Art

Presenting textiles, fabric art pieces and items of clothing is a specialty of ours. Each project is unique and requires thoughtful decisions about how to best attach the fabric item to a backing (usually a mat board or fabric-covered panel). Sports jerseys might be folded to best display the logos and numbers while minimizing overall size. Heavy items such as woven rugs and heavy embroideries may be sewn or pinned for extra support. Our framers have years of experience in selecting the appropriate method for your piece, and will share details with you during the design session.

Traditional textile from Eastern Europe with fringes in a poplar frame with grey finish. Conservation or Museum glass protects vintage pieces from light damage.

Traditional textile from Eastern Europe with fringes in a poplar frame with grey finish. Conservation or Museum glass protects vintage pieces from light damage.

Once the textile is attached, it can be presented in a frame with our without glass. Often glass is recommended because dust and light can damage fabrics over time. Signed jerseys are particularly vulnerable to light damage. If the piece is large, UV Plexiglas is a great choice to reduce weight and provide protection. Custom plexi boxes with clear sides are another option for special pieces where a frame is not desired, or the item can’t fit into a frame.

Basketball jersey with double matting and inset photo. Team colors added a nice design touch.

Basketball jersey with double matting and inset photo. Team colors added a nice design touch.

Military dress jacket in silver leaf shadowbox frame. A true family heirloom, protected by Museum Glass.

Military dress jacket in silver leaf shadowbox frame. A true family heirloom, protected by Museum Glass.

A Visit with the Pope

A client brought mementos of a special visit with the Pope in Rome. A shadowbox frame solution was proposed to accommodate the beanie without crushing it. We decided to inset the smaller items into a window in the mat to give them emphasis and visual organization. Attention was paid to both appropriate aesthetics and overall size. The final result is a gem that protects and presents the memory of this event for the client and his family. 

Photo of The Pope, papal beanie, and a crucifix were elements that needed to be included in the shadowbox. 

Photo of The Pope, papal beanie, and a crucifix were elements that needed to be included in the shadowbox. 

A deep shadowbox frame in ornate silver was selected for height to accommodate the 4" beanie. The gilded style was repeated in a smaller silver filet.

A deep shadowbox frame in ornate silver was selected for height to accommodate the 4" beanie. The gilded style was repeated in a smaller silver filet.

Batting was prepared to add volume to the inside of the beanie, which will be sewn to the backing mat. Sewing is archival because it can be undone with a few snips. 

Batting was prepared to add volume to the inside of the beanie, which will be sewn to the backing mat. Sewing is archival because it can be undone with a few snips. 

The elements are ready for assembly: frame, mat, and mounted objects. 

The elements are ready for assembly: frame, mat, and mounted objects. 

The project was finished with Museum Glass to protect it from light damage and offer minimal visual interference. Can you see the glass? 

The project was finished with Museum Glass to protect it from light damage and offer minimal visual interference. Can you see the glass?