Custom Framing
Conservation-grade framing designed to protect and showcase historical maps and reproduction prints for generations, using UV-protective glazing, acid-free matting, and archival mounting techniques.
Protecting History, Enhancing Beauty
A historical map deserves more than a standard frame from a big-box retailer. The papers, inks, and printing methods used in cartographic documents from the seventeenth through twentieth centuries are uniquely vulnerable to environmental degradation, and the wrong framing materials can accelerate that damage in ways that are invisible until it is too late. At Earliest Chicago Maps, our custom framing workshop is built around a single principle: every material that touches your map must meet or exceed museum conservation standards, and every design choice must serve both the document's preservation and its visual impact.
Our framers bring a rare combination of technical conservation knowledge and aesthetic sensitivity to every project. They understand that an 1871 fire insurance map calls for a very different presentation than a sweeping 1909 Burnham Plan rendering, and they work closely with each client to find the frame, mat, and glazing combination that honors the document's period while complementing the space where it will be displayed. Whether you are framing a cherished family heirloom, a newly purchased reproduction print, or a multi-piece corporate installation, the process begins with a hands-on consultation in our Printer's Row studio where you can see and touch every material option before making a commitment.
We source our frame moldings from leading conservation-grade suppliers in the United States and Italy, maintaining a curated inventory of over 150 profiles ranging from simple black gallery frames to hand-gilded ornamental styles that evoke the craftsmanship of nineteenth-century cabinetmakers. Every molding we offer is manufactured from sustainably harvested hardwoods and finished with archival-safe lacquers and gilding materials that will not off-gas volatile compounds into the sealed frame environment.
Our Framing Process
Each custom framing project follows a six-step workflow that ensures consistent quality and complete client satisfaction:
- Consultation: We examine your document, discuss your aesthetic preferences and display environment, and present a curated selection of frame, mat, and glazing options tailored to the piece. Side-by-side comparisons help you visualize the final result.
- Frame selection: You choose from our inventory of over 150 conservation-grade molding profiles, or we source a custom profile from our network of specialty suppliers. Samples are held against your document for accurate visual matching.
- Conservation matting: We cut acid-free, lignin-free mat board to your specifications using precision computerized equipment. Double and triple mats, fabric-wrapped mats, and hand-painted bevels are available for clients who want a distinctive presentation.
- UV-protective glazing: Your choice of standard UV-filtering glass, Tru Vue Museum Glass with over 99 percent UV blockage and virtually invisible reflection, or Optium Museum Acrylic for oversized and high-traffic installations.
- Assembly: The document is mounted using fully reversible archival techniques, including Japanese paper hinges and conservation-grade wheat starch paste. The frame is sealed with a dust cover and fitted with appropriate hanging hardware for the wall type and installation method.
- Delivery: Completed frames are carefully packaged for pickup or delivery. For corporate and institutional projects, we offer professional on-site installation by our trained hanging crew.
What Is Included
- Conservation-grade frame molding in your selected profile and finish
- Acid-free, lignin-free mat board with precision-cut openings
- UV-protective glazing (standard, Museum Glass, or Museum Acrylic)
- Reversible archival mounting using Japanese paper hinges
- Sealed dust cover and appropriate hanging hardware
- Written care and display guidelines
- Free framing consultation with side-by-side material comparisons
Why Conservation Framing Matters
Standard framing materials often contain acids, lignin, and volatile compounds that cause yellowing, foxing, and embrittlement over time. These effects are cumulative and largely irreversible. Conservation framing eliminates these risks by creating a sealed, chemically inert environment around your document. UV-protective glazing blocks the light wavelengths most responsible for fading and paper degradation, while acid-free matting and reversible mounting ensure that the document can be safely removed for examination, conservation treatment, or reframing in the future without any damage to the original.
For clients who have invested in a museum-quality reproduction print, conservation framing preserves that investment and ensures the print looks as vibrant in twenty years as it does today. For those who own original antique maps, proper framing is not merely an aesthetic choice but an essential act of stewardship. Our authentication and appraisal team can assess the condition and value of your original before framing, providing documentation that is often required for insurance purposes.
What Our Clients Say About Custom Framing
"I brought in a fragile 1850s lithographic map of Chicago that had been sitting unprotected in a drawer for decades. The framing team treated it with incredible care, recommended Museum Glass to protect the delicate hand-coloring, and chose a warm walnut frame that perfectly complements the document's age and character. It now hangs in our library and looks absolutely magnificent."
"We needed coordinated framing for a series of twelve historical neighborhood maps for our real estate office. The team helped us select a consistent frame style and mat color that ties the whole collection together while letting each map's unique character shine through. The installation was professional and efficient. Our clients comment on the maps constantly."
"I had an oversized Sanborn map measuring nearly five feet across, and most frame shops turned me away. Earliest Chicago Maps handled it without hesitation. They used museum acrylic to keep the weight manageable and engineered a custom French cleat hanging system for our plaster walls. The result is stunning and I feel completely confident in its stability."
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Framing
What is conservation framing and why does it matter for maps?
Conservation framing uses only archival-quality materials that will not damage or degrade your document over time. This includes acid-free mat board, lignin-free backing, UV-filtering glazing, and reversible mounting techniques. For historical maps, which are often printed on delicate paper stocks susceptible to acid migration, foxing, and light damage, conservation framing is essential to preserving the document's condition and value for decades or centuries to come.
What types of UV-protective glass do you offer?
We offer three tiers of glazing: standard UV-filtering glass that blocks approximately 60 percent of ultraviolet light, Museum Glass by Tru Vue that blocks over 99 percent of UV rays with virtually invisible reflection, and Optium Museum Acrylic for oversized pieces where glass weight is a concern. Museum Glass is our most popular choice for valued originals and high-end reproductions because it combines maximum UV protection with exceptional optical clarity.
Can you frame oversized or irregularly shaped maps?
Yes, our framers specialize in non-standard formats. We routinely frame documents up to 60 by 84 inches and can accommodate even larger pieces with custom engineering. Irregularly shaped maps, folding maps, and multi-panel documents each require specialized mounting and matting approaches, and our team has extensive experience handling these challenges while maintaining full conservation standards.
How long does custom framing take?
Standard framing projects are completed within 10 to 14 business days from the date we receive your document and confirm your material selections. Complex projects involving oversized documents, custom-milled frames, or specialty glazing may take up to three weeks. Rush service is available for an additional fee and can reduce turnaround to 5 business days for most standard-size projects.
Do you offer frame styles that complement historical maps?
Absolutely. We maintain an extensive selection of frame profiles specifically curated for historical cartography, including hand-finished walnut and mahogany profiles that evoke 19th-century craftsmanship, simple gallery-style frames in black or natural wood for contemporary settings, and ornate gilded profiles for formal installations. Our framing consultation includes side-by-side comparisons so you can see how different frame and mat combinations interact with your specific map before committing to a final selection.
Ready to Frame Your Map?
Bring your map or reproduction print to our Printer's Row studio for a free framing consultation. We will show you material options side by side and help you find the perfect combination of frame, mat, and glazing for your piece and your space.