richard_ray1

Ahhh, the ongoing question of "now that I've got them, what do I

do with them?" question! (Not to mention, WHERE do I put

them.) I've matted more than a few of my own photos, Clark, as

well as 500 or so other fine art works held by a former employer

(museum). There are a couple ways to approach the matting

and framing question. First, from a museum standpoint, archival

matting materials are a must for long-term keeping. This implies

low-acid content materials and alkaline buffers to ensure

non-migration of acids to prints, including the tapes or other

adhesives used to hinge the mats or adhere the works to the

backing. As far as sizing (the two ways to approach), usually, the

larger the image, the larger the border on the mat. Typically, you

should allow at least 2 to 2-1/2" of border around your prints. As

images get larger, three, and sometimes four inch borders

might be called for. You need to remember that mats provide two

services: a) they physically protect the image, and b) they help to

isolate the image from the surroundings to allow the viewer to

concentrate on your work. Item two as far as sizing goes. Start

with "standard" frame/mat sizes and cut your windows to allow

for the maximum border possible. Think in terms of your paper

sizes for common frame sizes, e.g., 5.x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x20,

etc. You'll get to a financial break-even point between cost of

prints, cost of frames/mats, and glazing material. Speaking of

which�glass is usually frowned upon for a couple reasons;

breakage, especially in transit to exhibits, competitions, etc., and

due to the [often] greenish tinge of regular glass. Most framers

will use plexiglass or lexan to control weight and provide clarity.

This, of course, requires using special cleaners and cloths to

avoid scratching the plastic. If you call Light Impressions, they'll

be happy to send you a catlog of storage and matting materials.

Or, easier, check their website and request from there. Try:

www.lightimpressionsdirect.com

Good luck!

Apparently, my original response got lost in the electron flow.

Probably shouldn't try to write after midnight or so. Anyway, I'm

sorry that I don't have the final answer either, just shared

thoughts and frustrations with the loss of things that we've all

used and enjoyed the generally good craftsmanship of, whether

Zone VI or other companys' goods. Personally, I've had good

luck with Calumet as an entity since the mid-1980's, whether

buying for the museum where I was employed, the school for

which I now teach, or my personal use. Yes, there are less

expensive markets, but I've never had Calumet not come up with

a satisfactory answer, or go out of their way to find "stuff" for me if

it wasn't readily available through the catalog.

I digress (I think Fred said that.) What I'd like to know personally

is whether there are any Zone VI newsletter subscribers out

there who might still have [extras?] the last three issues. I have

through Number 80 of 12/94, and understand that there might be

as many as three more before it folded. I'd be most interested in

knowing that they exist, moreso that they might be available.

Regards to all. Good question! Think Tri-X.