How do I hang a heavy gilt frame?

Ensure your wall fixings anchor directly into solid masonry or use heavy-duty wall anchors designed for plasterboard. Due to the solid wood and gesso construction, these frames carry considerable weight and require sturdy picture wire and hooks.

Where should I place a framed painting?

Position the piece away from direct sunlight and damp environments to protect both the canvas and the delicate gold leaf. A neutral wall in a living room or hallway allows the ornate gilding and oil pigments to stand out effectively.

How do I clean a gilt frame?

Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush to remove particles without disturbing the fragile gold leaf. Avoid liquid cleaners and chemical solvents, which can strip the historical finish from the wooden moulding.

How can I tell the period of a frame?

Examine the composition of the gesso and the style of the carving, such as Victorian revival or French Rococo motifs. Inspect the back of the wood and the joinery for signs of age, tool marks, and historical fixings.