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

Objects & textiles · Vancouver

Shadow Box Framing

A shadow box built to the depth of the object rather than a stock box it has to squeeze into. Jerseys, medals, textiles, instruments and keepsakes. Vancouver, 1242 Davie Street.

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A shadow box is a frame with real depth, built so an object can be mounted and displayed without being pressed flat. It is the method behind jersey framing, medal framing and needlework framing, and it is also the answer for instruments, tools, christening gowns, ticket stubs and most keepsakes that are not flat.

Built to the object

The depth comes from the object, not from a stock size. We measure the highest point of the piece as it will be mounted, then add clearance so the glazing never touches it. A box that is too shallow presses on the object. A box that is much too deep makes the contents look lost.

Mounting

Everything is held by a mount shaped to the object, hidden behind it, touching only where the piece can take the weight. Nothing is glued and nothing goes through the object. That rule is not fussiness: it is what lets the piece come out again intact, and most of what goes into a shadow box is something a family will eventually want to handle again.

Grouping several things

Most shadow boxes hold more than one item, and the arrangement is the part worth taking time over. Bring everything you are considering, including the pieces you are unsure about. It is much easier to lay it all out and remove things than to work from a list.

What we need

The objects, and where the box will hang. Depth adds weight, so a deep box on a drywall wall needs hanging hardware chosen for the finished load rather than the usual two hooks.

Too shallow glazing presses on the object Built to the object spacer keeps a clear air gap
A shadow box is built to the depth of the object, not the other way round. Spacers hold the glazing clear of the highest point so nothing is pressed flat, and the object is mounted to the backing board rather than resting on the bottom edge of the frame, where its own weight would slowly crush it.

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

What is a shadow box?

A frame with real depth, built so an object can be mounted and shown without being pressed flat. It is the method behind jersey, medal and needlework framing, and it works for instruments, tools, christening gowns, ticket stubs and most keepsakes that are not flat.

How deep should a shadow box be?

It comes from the object, not from a stock size. We measure the highest point of the piece as it will be mounted and add clearance so the glazing never touches it. Too shallow presses on the object, much too deep makes the contents look lost.

How are the objects held in place?

By a mount shaped to the object, hidden behind it, touching only where the piece can take the weight. Nothing is glued and nothing goes through the object, so it can come out again intact.

Can several things go in one box?

Yes, and most shadow boxes hold more than one item. Bring everything you are considering, including the pieces you are unsure about. It is much easier to lay it all out and remove things than to work from a list.

Is a shadow box heavy?

Heavier than a flat frame of the same size, because depth adds material and glazing. On drywall that usually means finding a stud or using a cleat rather than relying on two hooks.

Can you build one around something unusual?

Often. Ask rather than assume. There are things we do not take, and we would rather say so than take on a job we cannot do well.

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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