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Framing Information and History

Print Framing Specifications

 

If you decide to purchase unframed prints from us to have framed locally to you and wish to match the style we previously sold then please give your framer the information below.

Print Frame Specification.

• Wood moulding is Rose & Hollis A238 Pine

• Hand painted with colour Dulux Golden Fern 6 matt emulsion paint. This is a pale cream colour.

• The mountboard is Arqadia #405

• We frame with at least a 3 inch mount card border around the print. This varies depending on the size of the print.

N.B. We don't keep stock of framed signed prints at the gallery. 

John Dyer & Joanne Short current framing for original paintings

John Dyer painting showing the framing design

 

The moulding that both artists used for their original paintings until 2025 is a variation on the 'Salvator Rosa' frame popular in Italy during the 18th century, but with an almond white coloured finish.

For centuries, white architectural frames have been used in religious architecture; however, the white frame has come to be associated with the avant-garde. Its first recorded use was at the third Impressionist group exhibit of 1877, when Degas and Pissarro both utilised white frames. These were considered neutral, as gold had been considered to be, but lacking the opulence and light-trapping qualities of gold. 

The Impressionists employed a diverse range of gilded and painted frames, but because much of their work was restaged as it rose in value, there is no permanent record of their framing preferences.

During the 1950s the simple white frame become popular in Cornwall with many of the St Ives artists because of its neutrality, and associations with the contemporary.

John Dyer and Joanne Shortcarefully select an off-white for their frames so that the lightest tone is the white used in the actual painting. The frames are finished in Dulux matt emulsion almond white (Code 0603Y 47R).

Most paintings from 18x24 inches and above are framed as shown. Smaller works are framed with just the outer section of the illustrated moulding.


Painting illustrated above: Zooing around, Newquay Zoo, 2009. Signed, acrylic on board 33x40 inches. Purchased as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Darwin 200 celebrations. Held in the public collection of art at Falmouth Art Gallery, Cornwall, UK. 

 

Joanne Short Framing for Paintings before 2020

Joanne Short painting showing the framing style pre 2020


The off white inner frame gives the artwork space and draws the eye into the painting, highlighting the light and freshness of Joanne's paintings.

The outer wooden frame provides a soft natural finish to the frame.

Most Joanne Short paintings up until 2020 were framed as shown. After 2020 Joanne's work is framed in the style used for John Dyer's paintings. See above.

Painting illustrated above: "Riverside Garden, Falmouth" 24 x 24 inches Oil on canvas

Art Poster Prints

For details on our range of framed art poster prints please see our blog that has the full details on the framing we use for our affordable wall art range.

Explore The John Dyer Gallery

In 2026, the traditional coastal theme has undergone a sophisticated transformation. We have moved away from stark whites and nautical patterns towards a movement known as Organic Coastal. This new era of coastal interior design prioritises "Quiet Luxury," mental well-being, and a deep, biophilic connection to the natural world. This coastal style is not just about a visual coastal look; it is about creating a sanctuary through natural materials and contemporary art.

Cornwall is known for its dramatic coastline, with its rolling beaches and steep cliffs. In this new set of open edition prints by Ted Dyer, you can explore the seaside scenes of Cornwall in all their glory. From small sailing boats to children playing on the beach, these prints are a celebration of Cornwall's natural beauty. They are also a great way to bring a piece of Cornwall into your home! This amazing collection of Cornwall art prints is exclusive to The John Dyer Gallery.

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