Framing & Preservation

The long-term stability of a photographic print depends as much on its environment as on its method of production. All works from A Rowan Gallery are produced using sustainable, archival materials and are intended for decades of display when properly cared for. Collecting carries with it a sense of stewardship for the work. The following guidelines are provided to ensure the longevity of each work.

Material Sensitivities

Photographic prints on fine art paper are stable but remain responsive to their surroundings:

Light

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will gradually reduce image density and alter color balance. Even with UV-filtering glazing, thoughtful placement is essential.

Humidity & Temperature

Excess moisture may lead to surface distortion, while extremely dry conditions can increase brittleness. Stable, moderate environments are ideal.

Acidity

Non-archival mat board, backing materials, or adhesives can cause discoloration over time. Our gallery only uses conservation-grade materials and should you decide to frame one of our works yourself, we recommend only using conservation-grade materials.

Handling

The surface of a fine art print is delicate and should be handled as little as possible, always with clean, dry hands.

Archival Framing

Framing is both a protective and aesthetic decision.

The gallery recommends:

  • 100% acid-free, museum-grade mat board

  • Archival hinges and reversible mounting methods

  • UV-filtering acrylic or glass

  • Sealed backing to reduce environmental exposure

These standards prevent discoloration, allow future conservation, and protect the structural integrity of the work.

Where framing is provided through the gallery, all materials meet conservation standards and are selected in accordance with the artist’s intent.

Placement & Display

To preserve the work:

  • Avoid direct sunlight

  • Avoid placement near heating or cooling vents

  • Do not install archival prints in areas with high humidity, such as bathrooms.

  • Maintain a stable interior climate whenever possible

If interested in placing an artwork in a location with exposure to direct sunlight, fluctuating humidity, or other volatile environmental conditions, we would recommend a special edition work in mediums such at Chromaluxe that utilizes an incredibly resilient dye sublimation method.

For important collections, rotating works periodically—allowing prints to rest in dark, archival storage between display periods—is a widely adopted museum practice.

Archival Storage

When not on view, prints should be stored:

  • Flat

  • In acid-free, light-safe archival folders or boxes

  • In a stable, climate-controlled environment

This method offers the highest level of long-term protection.

Conservation & Restoration

Works should never be trimmed, permanently mounted, or altered.

If conservation becomes necessary, it should be entrusted only to a qualified professional specializing in photographic materials.

Gallery Framing Program

A Rowan Gallery offers artist-recommended framing using conservation-grade materials and presentation methods appropriate to each work.

Collectors who wish to pursue alternative framing are encouraged to work with experienced fine art framers and to follow the archival standards outlined above.

Guidance for Collectors

We are always available to advise on:

  • Framing decisions

  • Placement within a space

  • Long-term collection care

For further guidance, please contact the gallery:

✉️ alexrowan28@gmail.com
🌐 arowangallery.com