An original painting on canvas from the VanArtHub gallery at 1242 Davie Street in Vancouver.

Works on paper · Vancouver

Map & Chart Framing

Maps, charts and plans framed at full size on acid-free board, hinged so the paper can move with the seasons. Vancouver, 1242 Davie Street.

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Maps arrive with three things going on at once: they are usually large, they are often old, and they have almost always been folded. Each of those changes the framing, and the folds are the part people underestimate.

Folds

A map that has lived folded has weakened along every fold line, and the paper there is thinner and more brittle than the rest of the sheet. It can usually be relaxed and flattened over time, but it will not become a sheet that was never folded. Some fold lines stay faintly visible and that is normal. What framing can do is stop them getting worse, by holding the sheet flat and stable so it is not repeatedly flexing.

Large sheets need hinging that respects the size

A big sheet of paper moves more with humidity than a small one, simply because there is more of it. Hinged at the top edge and left free at the sides and bottom, it can take that movement up without buckling. Fixed all the way round, it has nowhere to go and it ripples.

Old maps and what is on the back

If yours is genuinely old, mention it before anything is done. Some are backed with linen, some have been trimmed, some have been repaired with tape that is now doing damage of its own. All of those change the approach, and none of them is visible from the front.

What we need

The map, flat if possible, and its dimensions unfolded. Acrylic is common on large maps for the same weight and safety reasons as large posters.

two hinges, top edge only free to move on the other three sides The stack UV glazingacid-free mat the documentacid-free backingsealed back
A document is held by two hinges at the top edge and nothing else, so the sheet can expand and contract with the room instead of buckling against a fixed mount. Everything is acid-free, and everything is reversible: the hinge is the one part of a frame a future framer must be able to undo without damage.

How it works

  1. 1

    Bring it in, or send photographs

    Walk in to 1242 Davie Street during opening hours. If you are not in Vancouver, send the dimensions and a photograph and we will work from that.

  2. 2

    We look at the actual piece

    What it is made of, what condition it is in, and where it is going to hang all change the answer. You get a straight recommendation and a price for your piece, not a rate card.

  3. 3

    It is made by hand and fitted

    Cut to the piece, using conservation materials, and finished with hanging hardware rated for the actual weight.

Common questions

Can fold lines be removed from a map?

They can be relaxed and flattened, but a map that lived folded will not become a sheet that was never folded. Some lines stay faintly visible and that is normal. What framing does is stop them getting worse by holding the sheet flat and stable.

Why do large sheets need different hinging?

Because a big sheet of paper moves more with humidity than a small one, simply because there is more of it. Hinged at the top and free at the sides and bottom, it takes that movement up. Fixed all the way round, it has nowhere to go and it ripples.

My map is old. Does that change anything?

Often yes, and mention it before anything is done. Some old maps are backed with linen, some have been trimmed, some carry old tape repairs that are now doing damage of their own. None of that is visible from the front.

Should a large map be glazed with acrylic?

Usually, for the same weight and safety reasons as a large poster. Glass over a big sheet is heavy on the wall and dangerous to handle, and acrylic solves both.

Can you frame a map so both sides show?

It can be done with glazing on both faces and a mount that holds the sheet between them, but it rules out sealing the back and it is not right for a fragile sheet. Bring it in and we will tell you whether yours is a candidate.

What do you need from me?

The map, flat if possible, and its dimensions unfolded rather than folded. If it is currently framed, bring it as it is rather than taking it apart.

Other things we frame

Where to find us

VanArtHub Gallery 1242 Davie Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 1N3
Canada
Monday10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tuesday10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Wednesday10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Thursday10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Friday10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Get directions Call (604) 401-9499

Not sure what yours needs?

Send the measurements, what it is made of, and a photograph. We will tell you what it actually needs, including when the answer is that it needs less than you expected.

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