Mount Gallery

I’ve recently done several sports jerseys for both high school and professional sports teams. The photos below are of a signed Hershel Walker jersey.

Sports jerseys can be framed in several ways. Some techniques are more complex than others and the expense of the framing will depend on which technique is used. In cases where the jersey is of sentimental value, but not necessarily monetary value the framing can be done without worrying about conservation techniques. Folding the jersey to reduce its size, using glue to hold the jersey in place and letting the glass flatten the jersey allows the framing to be less costly.

When framing a valuable jersey such as the Hershel Walker one care needs to be taken with the framing in order to preserve its value. With this example I opened the jersey to its full size to avoid folding it and sewed the jersey to the mounting board. Shadowboxing techniques were also used in order to keep the glass from flattening the jersey and to provide air space.

The framed jerseys looked great and became instant eye catchers. These same framing techniques can be used when framing other types of memorabilia such as golf flags, christening dresses, t-shirts and other fabric items.

This type of framing is generally used for moderate value limited edition prints, watercolors and photos. Higher quality materials and more complex semi-conservation framing methods are used. Acid free mats, glass spacers and semi-conservation mounting techniques are some of the materials and services that add to the complexity and cost of intermediate framing .

This is an intermediate level framing example. I consider this an intermediate level not only because of the materials used, but also because of the complexity of the project. Whenever I frame three dimensional (3D) art work I face technical challenges. This combined with the fact that the art is valuable makes the whole process even more complex.

In cases where 3D art is not valuable the mounting process can be relatively easy and inexpensive…. some glue, wire or screws and you’re good to go. With the Elvis album the mounting techniques used had to be reversible and non-damaging to the art. I used acid free mats, glass spacers and ultraviolet filtering glass. Here is the art that needed to be framed: An Elvis “Live at Madison Square Garden” Album and cover, an Elvis photo and a description card:

The design of the mat added some visual interest and helped to make this piece truly unique:

This is a photo of the art after it was mounted:


The last step was fitting the mounted art into the frame:


Of course I love all picture framing, but working on projects like this is some of my favorite framing to do. I love the design challenge and the technical challenge. It’s a great feeling when I complete the framing and get to see my customer’s reaction. Needless to say when Elvis left the building our customer was extremely pleased!