An Overview of the History of Matting

Circa 1900  Sir D.Y. Cameron   Perth Bridge  Etching,  printed in Glasgow This print illustrates the renewed public interest in fine prints at the end of the century.  During this time many groups of artists and writers expounded on the virtues of hand pulled prints, resulting in many art magazines and books about prints, not to mention the editions of prints themselves. Although the trend toward simplicity and hand-crafted items had already begun,    The Decoration of Houses by Edith Wharton and Ogden Codman published in 1897 made simple, uncluttered, coherent schemes the fashion.  By the time Queen Victoria died in 1901,  the ‘Modern Style’ ( Art  Neuveau ) was the dominant trend.  This framing treatment replicates those popular at this time for fine prints, drawings and watercolors - off-white or light cream mats and narrow, gilt frames.

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