what is the proper height to hang art?

tilt-shift · Nov 5, 2004

I have to hang some of my photos framed 19x24 and I can't remember or find my notes what the proper height they should be hung at. 57"? Is there a spacing formula or do I just visually judge?

It's gonna be in a somewhat chaotic public gallery, do you guys have any tips on hanging it so it doesn't walk away. The nails will go into a plaster wall I was thinking of rapping additional wire around a screw setting that into the wall and then attaching it to the hanging wire. I'll patch the walls afterwards. Any advice, links or general ideas would greatly be appreciated thanks jeff

Ed Sukach · Nov 5, 2004

tilt-shift said:
I have to hang some of my photos framed 19x24 and I can't remember or find my notes what the proper height they should be hung at. 57"? Is there a spacing formula or do I just visually judge?

I'd suggest "centered at average person eye-level".... should be somewhere around 57"... or so. Actually, if you expect children, I might go somewhat lower. For multiples, one above the other, take the "center" to be the "center of gravity for the array".

Security is something else ... an additional wire as you have suggested seems OK if a little involved. I've "curated" (who .. me?) a Public Gallery - owned by the Town - for a few years now ... and nothing has ever been stolen from the walls or statue bases. Not that it CAN'T happen, but it hasn't. I'd be more concerned about a night-time break in (that hasn't happened either) and there is little anyone can do about that, other than burglar alarms.

rbarker · Nov 5, 2004

I seem to recall seeing a "security" mounting system somewhere that allowed the frame to be "clicked" onto a mounting block, and then removed with a special tool. Unfortunately, I can't recall where I saw it. But, you might search around the sites for framing supply houses. Whether it's worth the trouble is another question.

TPPhotog · Nov 5, 2004

Mount them in metal frames and wire them to the mains But seriously I've seen a similar locking system used that Ralph mentions in art galleries. Each picture is attached to a sort of frame that swings out from the wall when unlocked with a key. Just have to remember which one. Any size of picture frame can be attached to the security frame from memory.

Tom Stanworth · Nov 5, 2004

I've never exhibited more than a dozen or so and have done it by eye. I reckon centered at 5"7" is about bang on. Might be worth considering plexi if you are in a location where people could catch a frame with a rucksack etc. Only problem is that kids tend to prod prints quite a bit and glass is far easier to clean.

Tom

bjorke · Nov 5, 2004

If it's art, then somewhere up where little fingers won't mess with it.

If it's pictures, go for eye level.

moose10101 · Nov 5, 2004

57" (4' 9") seems a bit low for "eye-level". I'd probably center it around 66" (5' 6").

tilt-shift · Nov 5, 2004

thanks for the help

thanks all for taking the time to reply to such a basic question, jeff

John Koehrer · Nov 6, 2004

Didn't Light Impressions have a secure wall mount system available?

Joe Symchyshyn · Nov 8, 2004

Here is the link to the Light Impressions Hardware. My suggestion would be to talk to your local frame shop... They'll likely have them/or can get them in short order. (Nielsen makes them for their line of metal frames)

joe

doughowk · Nov 8, 2004

Our LF group recently did an exhibit in a public library (Gainesville, FL) in section with alot of traffic; and no problem as to anything missing. We just hung it with regular picture frame hangers.

Joe Symchyshyn · Nov 8, 2004

A note regarding the locking hardware...

I have a friend that uses them in his house. Not because people are going to be walking off with the work, but because he can make sure that everything is level, and always stays that way. Never adjust a frame again.

joe

Stan. L-B · Nov 9, 2004

Hello Tilt Shift.
Both here and in the US it is often the practice for the gallery authority to specify the height, fixings, and spacing to be used. Worth making an enquiry at the venue.

blansky · Nov 9, 2004

Although Art has had some controversial posts here, I don't think it goes to the level of a hanging offense yet.

Maybe just a good talking to, and let him off with a warning.

Michael

modafoto · Nov 9, 2004

blansky said:
Although Art has had some controversial posts here, I don't think it goes to the level of a hanging offense yet.

Maybe just a good talking to, and let him off with a warning.

AAAAAARRRRRGGHHHH. I was just going into this thread to write this joke....I am tooo slow.

But hang him 5 inches above the floor so he can't touch the ground

what is the proper height to hang art?

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