Mounting and Framing Helmut Newton Vintage Silver Gelatin Prints
Helmut Newton's vintage silver gelatin prints are not toned with selenium or other chemicals; a deliberate choice by the artist to avoid a brownish tint. This unique aesthetic requires specialized handling.
Please provide these exact specifications to your framer to ensure your print maintains its beauty and value for years.
Critical Framing Directives: What NOT to Do
We are frequently seeing irreversible damage to vintage prints due to standard, high-volume framing practices. Under no circumstances should your framer do the following:
- Never Dry Mount: Dry mounting involves a heat process and adhesives to permanently adhere the print to a backing board, which will damage a delicate silver gelatin print. Vintage developed prints have natural undulations; do not allow a framer to ruin the print by attempting to overly flatten it. Require reversible, archival hanging methods.
- Never Cover Image Edges: Framers must not use the matting to hold the print flat by covering the image edges. No material should ever come into direct contact with the print area.
- Avoid Glass: We strongly advise against traditional or museum glass. It is expensive, heavy, and fragile. Broken glass during transport or falls has damaged countless prints.
Recommended Framing Specifications
- Matting: Instruct your framer to use a 3" - 5" wide, double-thickness 8-ply mat. Crucially, there must be an approximate 1/4" gap (border) left between the inner edge of the matting and the outer edge of the image. All matting, backing boards, and securing tape must be 100% acid-free, archival/museum quality to prevent yellowing.
- Glazing: Frame exclusively with UV-protective plexiglass to protect against fading. If the artwork will be displayed in an area with high reflections, opt for an anti-glare UV plexiglass.
- The Frame: A black 1.5" - 2" wood gallery frame is recommended. This profile complements Newton's aesthetic and draws focus directly to the artwork.
Handling & Display
- Handling: The gelatin surface is rigid and cracks easily if bent. Always handle with clean, dry hands, touching only the extreme edges rather than the image surface. When moving, support the print from underneath to prevent creasing.
- Climate Control: Avoid hanging the framed print in areas prone to high humidity, drastic temperature fluctuations, or direct sunlight, regardless of UV plexiglass protection.
- Placement: Standard gallery practice dictates hanging artwork so the center of the image sits at viewer eye level. This places the center of the print approximately 57 to 60 inches from the floor.
If you or your framer have any technical questions regarding these specifications, please contact us at info@helmutnewtonphotography.com prior to beginning the framing process.