Expert tips and techniques
Framing medals is a fitting way to honour the service, sacrifice or achievement of the person who earned them. It turns them into a keepsake that can hang in any room, keeps them safe, and is a constant reminder of what they stand for.
The first step is the frame. Choose a frame that suits the medals and the room where it will hang. It must be deep enough to hold the medals without pressing on them. Box frames, also called shadow boxes, are the usual choice.
Then think about the story the medals tell, and arrange them to tell it.
Choosing the frame
Types of frame
- Box frames. The depth between the glazing and the backing lets the medals sit clear of the glass. This is the best choice for most medals.
- Display cases. A deeper, case-like frame for medals shown with larger objects.
- Standard picture frames. These are too shallow for most medals unless spacers are added to hold the glazing away.
Materials
Wooden frames are classic and come in finishes to match any room. Metal frames are sleek and modern. Acrylic glazing is lighter than glass and does not shatter, and UV-protective glazing stops the ribbons fading, which they otherwise do quickly.
The backing matters too. A board covered in fabric, such as velvet, felt or suede-effect mount board, looks better than plain card and sets off the metal.
Size and layout
Lay the medals out on a sheet of paper, with anything else you want to include, and measure the arrangement. Leave space around each medal so that the display is not crowded. If you plan to add a plaque or a photograph, allow for it now.
Preparing the medals
Cleaning and care
- Dust only. Wipe medals gently with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
- Do not polish. Polishes and cleaners wear away the surface and its detail, and with old or valuable medals they reduce the value. If a medal needs more than dusting, ask a specialist.
- Keep the original ribbons. A worn ribbon is part of the medal's history. If it must be replaced so that the medal can be shown, keep the original safely with the display.
- Handle as little as possible. Hold medals by the edges, or wear clean cotton gloves.
Mounting
- On a bar. Medals already mounted on a wearing bar can be shown as they are, in a neat row.
- By the ribbon. Each medal is held to the backing board by a few stitches through the board and round the ribbon, which carry its weight. The stitches can be cut later without leaving a mark.
- No glue, no tape. Never stick a medal or a ribbon down. Adhesives stain and cannot be undone.
When the medals are fixed, fit the backing board into the frame, make sure everything sits clear of the glazing, and close the back securely.
Telling the story
Order and arrangement
Military medals have a correct order in which they are worn, and it is right to follow it in a frame. If you are not sure of the order, a regimental association or a medal specialist will advise.
Sports medals can be grouped by event, by year or by importance, with the most significant in the middle or at the top.
Photographs and plaques
A photograph gives the medals context: the person in uniform, the finish line of the marathon, the team with the cup. A small engraved plaque can give the name, the dates and what the medals were awarded for. A mount with separate openings keeps each element tidy within the one frame.
Other ways to display medals
- Medal hangers. A rail of hooks on the wall suits a runner or swimmer who is still adding to the collection. The medals stay easy to reach, but they are not protected from dust or light.
- A display board. A large board with rows of hooks holds a big collection in a small space.
- A home-made hanger. A length of wood with hooks, or a deep frame without glass, is an easy project.
For medals of real value, whether financial or sentimental, a properly made frame is the best protection. It keeps out dust, shields the ribbons from light and allows a fabric background, a nameplate and other personal touches.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, including box frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right one for your medals. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.