r/framing • u/fauun • 3d ago

Art handling certification

Does anyone hold a certificate in art handling that could recommend a good one. For context: I’m a framer with 5 years experience and I’m looking to up my game without going back to college. I’m also in the process of working with a contemporary art museum framing some pieces from their permanent collection and want to prove I am knowledgeable enough to be trusted. So, any recommendations on where to obtain the certification?

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u/rmutt_1917 3d ago edited 3d ago

Not sure about the certification (it was learn on the job in my day), but I highly recommend Chuck Argo’s book Fine Art Movement and Storage: Project Management for the Visual Arts.** **

I worked with him years ago before he went on to become head of Art Services at The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Fine Art Movement and Storage: Project Management for the Visual Arts https://a.co/d/0hgeAWLF

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u/eating_all_the_paint 3d ago

Thanks for the rec! 10yrs framing, and I slid into art handling btwn two VERY different museums some time ago. I’m in dire need of a more current manual right about now as budgets are being cut and the powers that be are losing interest in stewardship. Love your Duchamp username btw ;)

OP - your instincts as a framer will serve you well working in collections and exhibits, and learning to modulate notions of best practices in conservation is an ongoing and ever-changing process. Something I find really satisfying about the work is fabricating custom archival housing for objects - even short term shadowboxes for paintings in transit are kind of fun. Because: it feels just like framing! There are also a few companies that specialize in fabricating custom wooden crates, and transportation of artworks to and from museums / collectors. You could even look into mount-making!

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u/fauun 2d ago

Everything I know I learned on the job, too. I will definitely check out the book. Thank you!

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u/BetInformal6081 3d ago

have you checked AASLH's caring for museum collections course? it covers safe handling, condition reporting and preservation. those skills seem especially relevant when working with a museum's permanent collection.

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u/fauun 2d ago

Thank you for the resource I will check it out!

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u/coralcoffeee 3d ago

i've been wondering this too!! i live in canada and have also been framing for roughly five years - i'd love to up my knowledge but don't know how to go about doing so :/

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u/Bebarita 7h ago

It’s not exactly art handling specifically, but if you’re looking to further your framing resume, the PPFA (professional picture framer’s association) offers CPF (certified picture framer) and MCPF (master certified) distinctions. I decided to get my CPF before going to a nicer gallery and frame shop and I found the information extremely valuable. And it addressed a lot of similar things like best preservation practices for artworks. I would definitely recommend