After excellent skiing in France, 2018 has started very busy. I am now listed on the Conservation Register and starting to get some interesting work through it.

In March I completed framing a modern Chinese scroll nearly two metres long, and even helped hang it in the client's dining room — a real treat to see the result of my labours up and enjoyed. I had a simple, brown-stained, deep wooden frame made by my framer, and then the decisions began: how to secure the scroll within the frame safely and securely.

My answer came with the help of Vivak. I made small shelves for the scrolls to sit on, slotting the L-shaped Vivak through the mount card backing. I then made clips to curl around the scroll, holding it in place and stopping it rolling back up. But how did it not sag in the middle, I hear you say? Small, discreet Japanese hinges were adhered to the back of the scroll along the top and bottom edges, and secured to the backboard. The tissue was thin yet strong enough to hold the scroll in position without distorting it. I had the scroll in the frame sitting on my spare sofa for a week to make sure nothing moved, warped, or generally did something I didn't want it to — and it didn't.

Final result

I was worried about transporting the framed scroll, so was very happy when it arrived at the client's unmoved. It looks very handsome in their beautiful Chinese-themed dining room — a lovely addition, and a reminder of happy travels.

I'm now ready and waiting for my next conservation challenge. Have you got a valued treasure you want to enjoy but not destroy? Conservation framing may be the answer — ask me how.