Blue Mounted Framed Pictures
Blue mounted framed pictures bring together centuries of paper, ink, and watercolour preserved behind glass within protective wooden surrounds.
Blue Mounted Framed Pictures
Blue mounted framed pictures encompass a diverse array of framed works on paper, ranging from nineteenth century watercolours and lithographs to early twentieth century Japanese fairy tale prints. These pieces combine hand coloured illustrations, maritime scenes, and coastal views set behind glass within traditional wooden or gilt frames.
The mounts framing these works frequently utilise card or paper surrounds, often providing a coloured border that frames the central image. Buyers encounter Victorian engravings, Edwardian photographic frames, and mid twentieth century Scottish landscapes within this category.
Origins span British studios, China Trade workshops, and Meiji period Japanese publications, reflecting varied international artistic traditions. The grouping unites disparate formats through the common presence of protective framing and mounted presentation.
How they were made
Makers utilised paper and card for the base images and surrounding mounts, applying watercolour paint, ink, and lithographic printing techniques by hand. Artists worked with gold leaf and gilt wood to construct decorative frames designed to enclose and protect the delicate works on paper.
Glass panels were fitted directly over the watercolours and prints to shield the pigments from dust and moisture. Wooden structures secured the backboards, holding the entire assembly together while allowing the mounted pictures to hang securely upon walls.
Fishermen in Naples shared their bay with Vesuvius long before anyone thought to frame the view.
What varies in quality
The standard of execution in watercolour paint and ink application distinguishes workshop output, separating hurried commercial prints from careful hand finished illustrations. Finer examples display precise brushwork and well preserved colour saturation across the paper surfaces.
Frame construction also dictates overall merit, with genuine gilt wood and period wooden surrounds holding greater distinction than later replacements. The harmony between the original mount, the inner image, and the outer frame determines the integrity of the piece.
Warwick Goble·Stanley Orchart·Consalvo Carelli·William Powell Frith·William Swainson
The Blue Mounted Framed Pictures Glossary
- Lithograph
- A planographic printing process using a flat stone or metal plate to reproduce detailed images with ink on paper. This method allowed artists to distribute multiple copies of original drawings during the nineteenth century.
- Gouache
- An opaque watercolour paint composed of pigment mixed with a water soluble binder and a gum or white filler. It provides heavier coverage than traditional watercolour, creating matte surfaces with strong colour density.
- Mount
- A cardboard or paper border placed inside the frame around a picture to separate the artwork from the glass. This barrier prevents delicate paper surfaces from sticking to the glazing.
- Gilt wood
- Wood coated with a thin layer of gold leaf or metallic powder to create a bright decorative surface. It frequently frames nineteenth century paintings and prints.
- Meiji Period
- The era in Japanese history spanning from 1868 to 1912, characterised by rapid modernisation and significant international trade in arts and crafts. Works from this time often include woodblock prints and traditional watercolours.
Blue Mounted Framed Pictures: Frequently Asked Questions
How should I clean the glass?
Use a soft microfibre cloth slightly dampened with water or a mild glass cleaner applied directly to the cloth rather than the frame. Avoid letting moisture seep behind the glass into the paper mount or watercolour.
Keep frames away from direct sunlight and damp environments to protect the underlying card, wood, and pigments from fading or deterioration over time.
Can I change the mount?
Changing the mount requires careful disassembly of the frame, backing boards, and glass to access the artwork safely. Many collectors prefer to retain original period mounts where possible to maintain historical integrity.
Consult a professional framer if the artwork requires conservation grade materials to prevent acid migration from modern cardboards into vintage paper.
How do I hang these securely?
Utilise appropriate picture hooks and wall anchors matched to the weight of the wooden or gilt frame and glass. Heavy nineteenth century oil paintings and large framed prints require sturdy fixings directly into wall studs or masonry.
Check the hanging wire or brackets on the reverse of the frame periodically to ensure they remain tightly fastened to the wooden structure.