Conservation, Repair and Supply of Frames for Oil Paintings

The National Army Museum (NAM) wishes to appoint a conservation framing company or individual conservator (‘the conservator’) to supply, repair or restore 30 frames for oil paintings in preparation for their display in the Museum in late Autumn 2016.

Expressions of Interest in this work are requested by 4 March 2016 from suitably qualified and experienced contractors. It is beneficial, though not essential, for the conservator to hold accredited status (PACR - Professional Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers).

Of the total of 30 frames, there are:

9 completely new frames required 4 frames requiring repairs or full restoration 7 frames requiring repairs or restoration, plus building up, spacers and glazing 10 frames requiring building up, spacers and glazing

The conservator will be responsible for:

1.) Production of new frames 2.) Repair or restoration of existing frames 3.) Supply and fitting of glass*, where required 4.) Fitting paintings to the finished frames

All work except fitting to frames will need to take place off-site at the appointed conservator’s premises.

*NAM has a small supply of glass that, in the interests of economy and sustainability, we would like to be used for this work where it is appropriate to do so.

Following expressions of interest, full tender details will be released on 7 March. All existing frames and most paintings requiring new frames will be available for viewing and assessment at the Museum’s collections store in Stevenage from 7-18 March, by appointment.