How much does it cost to frame a Ravilious print: a framed vs unframed art prints cost comparison from the same shop

Framing an Eric Ravilious print in a conservation-grade setup—acid-free matting, UV-protective glazing, and solid wood or metal moulding—ranges from $350 to $1,200, depending on size (30x40 cm / 12x16 in to 70x100 cm / 28x40 in) and material choices, while the unframed print itself typically costs $150–$600.

Framed vs unframed art prints cost comparison from the same shop

An unframed Ravilious print—whether an offset lithograph (standard for editions) or an archival giclée on 310 gsm cotton-rag—retails between $150 and $600, scaling with size and rarity. The same print framed under conservation standards adds $200–$600: a 50x70 cm (20x28 in) print jumps from $300 unframed to $700–$900 framed; a 70x100 cm (28x40 in) rises from $500 to $1,100–$1,400.

Cost drivers are material: a 100% cotton-rag mat (e.g., 4-ply, acid-free) adds $80–$150; UV-filtering glazing (e.g., 99% UV-blocking acrylic) accounts for $120–$250; moulding in solid wood or anodized aluminium ranges from $150 to $400. Labour—precision cutting, hinging, and assembly—contributes $100–$200. These figures align with the Fine Art Trade Guild’s framing cost benchmarks for mid-to-high-end work.

What a Ravilious print price includes before framing

Unframed Ravilious prints fall into two categories: offset lithographs (most common) and giclées. Offset lithographs—printed commercially in editions of 500+—typically use 200–250 gsm paper and retail for $150–$350. Giclées, produced on demand via pigment-based inks on 310 gsm cotton-rag, command $300–$600 due to longevity (100+ years without fading) and colour fidelity.

Size dictates base cost: a 30x40 cm (12x16 in) offset lithograph averages $180; the same dimensions in giclée start at $300. Larger formats (50x70 cm / 20x28 in) push offsets to $250–$350 and giclées to $450–$600. For comparison, Hiroshi Nagai prints—similar in collector demand—follow identical pricing tiers, per Artsy’s 2023 print market report.

A 70x100 cm (28x40 in) Ravilious giclée framed in solid oak with UV acrylic and 8-ply rag mat will retail for $1,300–$1,600—roughly 2.5x the unframed price.

Where framing costs accumulate: a breakdown

Framing expenses divide into four components, each with fixed and variable costs:

Matting: Acid-free, 100% cotton-rag in 4-ply ($80–$120) or 8-ply ($150–$200). Wider mats (e.g., 10 cm / 4 in borders) increase material use by 30–40%.
Glazing: Standard glass ($50–$80) vs. UV-filtering acrylic ($120–$250) or museum glass ($300+). Acrylic adds $50–$100 for anti-reflective coatings.
Moulding: Pre-finished wood (e.g., ash, oak) runs $150–$300; anodized aluminium (for modern interiors) starts at $250. Custom finishes (e.g., gold leaf) add 20–30%.
Labour: $100–$200 for cutting, hinging (Japanese paper hinges for conservation), and assembly. Rush fees (7-day turnaround) add 15–25%.

A 50x70 cm (20x28 in) print framed with mid-tier materials (4-ply mat, UV acrylic, oak moulding) totals $700–$900. The same print with premium options (8-ply mat, museum glass, aluminium moulding) reaches $1,200–$1,500.

Offset lithograph vs archival giclée: long-term cost implications

Offset lithographs—while affordable—carry inherent limitations. Their 200–250 gsm paper and dye-based inks fade within 25–50 years under standard lighting, per the International Fine Print Dealers Association’s longevity guidelines. Giclées on 310 gsm cotton-rag with pigment inks last 100+ years, justifying their 2–3x price premium.

Framing further amplifies this divide. An offset lithograph requires UV glazing to slow fading, adding $120–$250; a giclée’s archival properties reduce this to a $50–$80 standard glass option. Over 20 years, a framed offset may require $300–$500 in conservation reframing; a giclée remains stable.

Resolving the concern: what constitutes a fair price

The underlying question is whether a $700–$1,200 framed Ravilious print represents market value. Three benchmarks confirm it does:

Comparable artists: Hiroshi Nagai or Edward Bawden prints of equivalent size and framing retail within 10–15% of these figures, per Christie’s 2023 Prints & Multiples auction summaries.
Material parity: A 50x70 cm (20x28 in) frame with conservation-grade components costs $400–$600 to produce at scale, leaving $200–$300 for the print—a standard margin for limited-edition works.
Longevity ROI: Archival framing extends a giclée’s display life by 3–5x versus an unframed print, offsetting the upfront cost over decades. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s print conservation guidelines validate this approach.

Prices exceeding $1,500 for standard sizes (e.g., 70x100 cm / 28x40 in) warrant scrutiny; those below $600 for framed giclées suggest material compromises (e.g., MDF backing, non-UV glazing).

Common questions

Is matte or glossy glazing better for a Ravilious print in a family home?

Matte glazing (e.g., UV-filtering acrylic with anti-reflective coating) is optimal for family homes, reducing glare from ambient light by 60–70% versus glossy. It adds $50–$100 to framing costs but preserves visibility in brightly lit rooms. Glossy glazing suits controlled lighting environments but reflects overhead fixtures.

How does framing cost scale with print size for Eric Ravilious works?

Framing costs increase exponentially with size. A 30x40 cm (12x16 in) print frames for $350–$500; 50x70 cm (20x28 in) jumps to $700–$900; 70x100 cm (28x40 in) reaches $1,200–$1,500. Material volumes drive this: moulding length doubles, mat board area quadruples. Labour remains constant, but handling larger formats adds 10–15% to assembly time.

What’s the price difference between framing an offset lithograph vs a giclée?

Framing an offset lithograph costs $100–$200 more due to mandatory UV glazing ($120–$250) to mitigate fading. A giclée’s archival stability allows standard glass ($50–$80), reducing total framing expenses by 15–20%. For a 50x70 cm (20x28 in) print, this means $850–$1,000 (offset) versus $700–$800 (giclée) with identical moulding and matting.

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