Framing Tim Walker: Making A Pearlescent Frame
This summer, we’ve had the great pleasure of framing Tim Walker’s upcoming exhibition at the V&A. We made a series of specialist bespoke frames for this exhibition, designed and created especially for the show in consultation with Tim Walker and the creative team at the V&A.
This article explains the process of making a pearlescent frame by hand, as seen on the V&A’s Instagram stories this August. From cutting lengths of wood to polishing the final finished frame, we’ll walk you through what happens at each stage in our workshop.
1 — Cutting & Joining
The first stage in frame making is cutting the wood to the correct size on the morso machine. The lengths are then cut into their specialist shape using a router and special cutter bits to make the rounded edges. The frame is then joined in a vice with strong wood glue, and pinned together with a brad gun.
2 — Shaping, Priming & Sanding
Once dry, extra shaping is required on the router, before the frame is machine and hand sanded. It is then sprayed with a solid white primer, which is also hand sanded to form a completely smooth finish.
3 — Spraying the Pearlescent Pigment
The pearlescent pigment is added to the lacquer and sprayed on top of the white finish to form the final coat, which is then left to harden and dry.
4 — UV Acrylic Glazing & Finishes
Once the frame is made, the glazing (in this case UV acrylic) and spacers are added, before being cleaned with anti-static cleaner.
5 — Subframe & Dusting
The frame is then dusted out with an air gun, before the artwork is put into the frame. The sub-frame is then screwed in and the back sealed to prevent any dust getting in. Once the frames are ready, we quickly deliver them to the V&A for install!
Alongside these pearlescent frames, we produced frames for Tim Walker in striking hot pinks, fluorescent yellows and unusual dome shapes. Head over to our Instagram page to see more!
Tim Walker: Wonderful Things opens at the V&A on 21st September.
Picture credit:
Duckie Thot, Aubrey’s shadow
Fashion: Saint Laurent. London, 2017
© Tim Walker Studio