topic Re: How to hang late 19th cent... in Home

How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 15:44:07 GMT

I have a real challenge and would appreciate your opinion and help.

Backstory: In San Francisco in the 19th century there were many music halls, dance halls, super clubs, saloons, and restaurants, many of which had entrances which led the patrons downstairs to an underground setting. I'm going to speak specifically about the area behind the marvelous bars in these establishments, which would be a combinaton of carved wood, mirrors, marble, mosaic tiling, lots of gold work and in some instances huge oil paintings. In many instances the emphasis would be simply on wood and mirrors or just wood, etc.

I need your help with a huge oil painting from this era.

When the 1906 earthquake struck, an employee of one of the "clubs," took what must have been a crate opener and slashed a painting out of its huge frame, folded it up and ran out of the building to safety west of Van Ness Avenue. The club burned down, along with thousands of other buildings.

Fast forward to WWII. My grandparents did pretty well bartering for things like tires for their delivery truck and car. One of these bartering sessions ended up in my grandfather becoming the owner of this huge oil on canvas painting from an old man who had rescued it from the club dirctly after the quake. It is about 12' x 8.5'. The subject is a typical 19th century female, well proportioned, lounging in a garden, semi-covered in diphenous fabric with a few putti fluttering about. The background consists of non-descript hills with hints of Greek architecture.

My challenge is how to hang this. It was literally slashed out of the frame, so is uneven and I hesitate to do to much trimming, but don't necessarily want to frame it ($$$$$$!). We now have a really long wall in this new condo, so am wondering if creating a metal "framework" which hangs off the ceiling with substantial clips would be the way to go. Or, perhaps I'm really of the mark.

Please share any ideas you might have. Thanks so much. ~Rebecca

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

Mominohio — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 15:48:37 GMT

Wow! What an interesting piece of history, and a great story to go with it.

I can't begin to offer up anything of value, except perhaps take it to someone who frames art and get some input and opinions from them as to the best way to not only use this, but preserve it as well.

Keep us posted on what you do. Very interested!

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

GingerPeach — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 15:59:05 GMT

@sfnative That is a great story. I traveled through the ages with you.

I wonder if it's worth of speaking to a local museum about it. Or maybe if Antiques Road Show comes to town, well . . .

My other thought was of the famous "Flaming June." Although no putti in that one.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

Vivian — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:00:25 GMT

As an avid Antiques Roadshow viewer, I think you should consult with a professional restorer and/or framer. The painting may be worth something or at least it has historical value. A do-it-yourself job may cost you in the long run. Is there an art museum near you? I'd give them a call to ask for advice.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

ChynnaBlue — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:07:46 GMT

First, what a great find!

I'd get it framed. You may want to take it to an appraiser first because an appraiser could help you determine how much you should bother spending on the framing and maybe recommend someone. If it's not worth more than the sentimental value, you can go cheap on the frame, but if it's worth more than you thought because of the story, you may want to spend more.

You might also consider taking it to an art school. Some art schools offer framing services and may be less expensive than another framing service.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

SHOPR — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 16:50:53 GMT

I think you've been given good advice. Just wanted to say thank for sharing that very interesting story here. Wow.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

vermint — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:01:12 GMT

No advice, but wow, what a great story! I have a few antiques but no idea of their history. It's really cool that you have the story of this painting and how it came to be in your family.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:19:28 GMT

@GingerPeach wrote:
@sfnative That is a great story. I traveled through the ages with you.

I wonder if it's worth of speaking to a local museum about it. Or maybe if Antiques Road Show comes to town, well . . .

My other thought was of the famous "Flaming June." Although no putti in that one.

Homegirl,

Yes, I had thought of taking it to a museum, but must find out which one, as we've only been here 2 years. And the idea of checking out the "Antiques Roadshow" schedule is a good one, though I believe they were here just a few years back.

"Flaming June" is ringing a distant bell. I must check that out. Thanks so much for your kind suggestions.

~Rebecca

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:26:19 GMT

@Mominohio wrote:
Wow! What an interesting piece of history, and a great story to go with it.

I can't begin to offer up anything of value, except perhaps take it to someone who frames art and get some input and opinions from them as to the best way to not only use this, but preserve it as well.

Keep us posted on what you do. Very interested!

Hi mominoho!

Yes - my first thought out of the box was that I need to seek out a conservator and to that end really need to visit a museum and its curatorial staff for a recommendation. Think this is the route this piece will probably take.

The painting, such as it is, has never been displayed. My grandfather took it in trade for foodstuffs during the war and kept it in a box. When my grandmother died, I latched onto it, knowing how precious it was (historically and to me). (None of my cousins knew it existed. My grandfather had shared the story with me, so maybe I was destined to be the keeper of it. Who knows?)

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:30:41 GMT

@Vivian Florimond wrote:
As an avid Antiques Roadshow viewer, I think you should consult with a professional restorer and/or framer. The painting may be worth something or at least it has historical value. A do-it-yourself job may cost you in the long run. Is there an art museum near you? I'd give them a call to ask for advice.

Yes, we do have art museums, though most tend to ultra modernism. Since we've only lived here for 2 years, I've got to seek out all sources. If we were still in S.F, I'd know exactly where to go. Thank you for helping me think this challenge through. I do want to do the right thing and finally display it, as it was last seen in April of 1906.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 17:37:57 GMT

@ChynnaBlue wrote:
First, what a great find!

I'd get it framed. You may want to take it to an appraiser first because an appraiser could help you determine how much you should bother spending on the framing and maybe recommend someone. If it's not worth more than the sentimental value, you can go cheap on the frame, but if it's worth more than you thought because of the story, you may want to spend more.

You might also consider taking it to an art school. Some art schools offer framing services and may be less expensive than another framing service.

Hi ChynnaBlue,

I've given a great deal of thought to framing and frankly because of its size, approx 12 feet by 8 feet, it would be cost prohibitive, plus we'd probably have to reinforce the wall on which it would hang. This would probably amount to at least $12,000, which is out of our ballpark, hence my wish to look for alternative methods to display the piece.

Thanks for mentioning an art school. I hadn't thought of that and will check that out here in Portland. Because we've only been here 2 years, don't know if we have an academy of art or not. Thanks!

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

ChynnaBlue — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 20:38:51 GMT

@sfnative wrote:
@ChynnaBlue wrote:
First, what a great find!

I'd get it framed. You may want to take it to an appraiser first because an appraiser could help you determine how much you should bother spending on the framing and maybe recommend someone. If it's not worth more than the sentimental value, you can go cheap on the frame, but if it's worth more than you thought because of the story, you may want to spend more.

You might also consider taking it to an art school. Some art schools offer framing services and may be less expensive than another framing service.
Hi ChynnaBlue,

I've given a great deal of thought to framing and frankly because of its size, approx 12 feet by 8 feet, it would be cost prohibitive, plus we'd probably have to reinforce the wall on which it would hang. This would probably amount to at least $12,000, which is out of our ballpark, hence my wish to look for alternative methods to display the piece.

Thanks for mentioning an art school. I hadn't thought of that and will check that out here in Portland. Because we've only been here 2 years, don't know if we have an academy of art or not. Thanks!

Portland is definitely big enough and artsy enough for an art school. And if they don't have a private art school, they do have a great university that probably has an art department and may be able to help you with advice if not framing.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

Tigriss — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 22:46:53 GMT

Many 3M poster strips! those strips are strong and won't damage the painting. Leave the edges as they are, they are part of the story of the art! 3M makes the light weight ones or the ones for hanging framed art. Go with the ones for the framed art. You will need many to distribute the weight of the art evenly, even down the side, and do them ever 6 inches or so. They are like velcro and meld with their counter part on the wall to really hang. You can remove them easily enough. Other than that, good old poster tacky putty. LockTite makes one that works well. Just have a look at them all as you need.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

flickerbulb — Tue, 18 Aug 2015 23:51:13 GMT

It sounds like you have quite a treasure on your hands!

Have you checked the Antiques Roadshow website to see if there is someone in your area that may be able to look at it?

It is not something I would take to a local frame shop and let them mount it, especially given its size.

I would not even try to DIY a framing contraption until someone looked at it. ARS loves to focus on those kinds of interesting backstories.

Maybe you could take a picture of it and post it on the ARS Facebook page and someone who is an appraiser or connected to the show will contact you.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

jaxs mom — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 00:04:47 GMT

Go to a professional art restoration specialist.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 04:49:31 GMT

@Tigriss wrote:
Many 3M poster strips! those strips are strong and won't damage the painting. Leave the edges as they are, they are part of the story of the art! 3M makes the light weight ones or the ones for hanging framed art. Go with the ones for the framed art. You will need many to distribute the weight of the art evenly, even down the side, and do them ever 6 inches or so. They are like velcro and meld with their counter part on the wall to really hang. You can remove them easily enough. Other than that, good old poster tacky putty. LockTite makes one that works well. Just have a look at them all as you need.

tigriss,

Apologies for the late reply: we're moving next week and are busy packing, getting our new appliances installed, the carpet cleaned, having our GD over, etc. I wanted to complete all the latex painting, but the closing was delayed, so will have to paint after the furniture is in place.

Anyway...I want to thank you for the ideas you provided, as I had no idea that 3M made such a product that could hold up my 12x8 foot painting. Also, had not thought of the tacky putty, though have used it for differen applications.

So many good thoughts and ideas here from everyone!

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 04:55:01 GMT

@flickerbulb wrote:
It sounds like you have quite a treasure on your hands!

Have you checked the Antiques Roadshow website to see if there is someone in your area that may be able to look at it?

It is not something I would take to a local frame shop and let them mount it, especially given its size.

I would not even try to DIY a framing contraption until someone looked at it. ARS loves to focus on those kinds of interesting backstories.

Maybe you could take a picture of it and post it on the ARS Facebook page and someone who is an appraiser or connected to the show will contact you.

flickerbulb,

We are moving next week. Though my interest remains extremely high regarding my "treasure," I've not had a minute to pursue any avenue suggested. However, I look forward to charging forward once the dust settles.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I had no idea one could place a photo on the ARS Facebook page for analysis. I've learned amazing things here.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 05:00:09 GMT

@JAXS mom wrote:
Go to a professional art restoration specialist.

I certainly will, if I can get away with doing that without paying an exorbitant fee. Can't wait for the completion of our move, so I can more forward on this project.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

ripka junkie — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 14:13:07 GMT

My husband and I have collected antique tapestries for over 25 years. I have probably 15 or so for smaller to very large. We ave most of them framed over time which can be eexpelensive. We have high ceilings in our home and they are so beautifully displayed there. I have 3 that we hung on nice curtain rods which is cheeper and might something you look into. We 2 of these had some damage and we had a seamstress sew a vintage velvet linigng to the tapestry and have those hanging from the curtain rods. They are beautiful.

Re: How to hang late 19th cent...

sfnative — Thu, 20 Aug 2015 17:57:28 GMT

@ripka junkie wrote:
My husband and I have collected antique tapestries for over 25 years. I have probably 15 or so for smaller to very large. We ave most of them framed over time which can be eexpelensive. We have high ceilings in our home and they are so beautifully displayed there. I have 3 that we hung on nice curtain rods which is cheeper and might something you look into. We 2 of these had some damage and we had a seamstress sew a vintage velvet linigng to the tapestry and have those hanging from the curtain rods. They are beautiful.

Hi ripka junkie,

Referring to the bolded lines above, thanks so much for taking the time for share this! Though I have a painting, I'm going to give this quality thought. Thank you so much for sharing.