How do I care for framed prints?

Keep works away from direct sunlight to prevent the ink and paper from fading over time. Maintain stable room temperatures to protect both the paper and the wooden framing. Ensure that hanging locations remain free from dampness, which can cause foxing spots on the paper surface.

What framing styles do I find here?

Pieces often retain period surrounds, including dark wooden Hogarth mouldings and heavy oak frames. Gilt wood and simple carved edgings also appear frequently across the collection. The glass protects the fragile paper sheet while allowing the detailed ink lines and plate marks to remain clearly visible.

How do I distinguish different print techniques?

Etchings display fine, acid-bitten lines with sharp edges, whereas mezzotints present rich, velvety expanses of tone without harsh lines. Drypoints reveal a distinct blurred richness caused by metal burrs displaced during scratching. Examining the paper through the glass with a magnifying glass often reveals plate marks pressed into the sheet borders.