Framing and preserving: A Historic Brighton Sea Tram Poster from the early 1900'S

A recent project brought a fascinating piece of seaside history into our workshop — a rare poster from the early 1900s, featuring the old sea tram that once ran along Brighton’s coast. The customer had recently acquired it at auction, and while the poster had been preserved by mounting it onto a rigid board, time had taken its toll. The backing had become warped and bowed, making it unsuitable for display without intervention.

The Challenge: Straightening and Stabilising a Warped Board

The poster was firmly adhered to its original backing, so removal wasn’t an option. Instead, our task was to carefully work with the existing board, gently flattening it as much as possible. While we couldn’t entirely reverse the warping, careful mounting within the frame—combined with the pressure from the glass—helped to visually eliminate the distortion. Once the glazing was in place, the poster appeared flat and crisp, ready to be displayed proudly.

The Framing Decision: A Traditional Approach with a Contemporary Finish

While a box frame was considered, this would have required adhering the poster to a new mount, permanently obscuring the reverse of the piece. Keen to preserve its full character, the customer instead opted for a traditional framing solution.

We selected a backing mount that echoed the warm, aged tones of the poster, paired with a subtly contrasting upper mount to give definition and depth. The frame—a clean, matt black—offered a modern contrast that enhanced the vintage aesthetic without overwhelming it.

Protection: AR70 Artglass for Preservation and Clarity

To protect the piece for the long term, we used AR70 Artglass. This museum-quality glass reduces reflections while offering excellent UV protection, helping to prevent fading and further deterioration of the antique paper. Additionally, the tight fit between the glass and the poster helped keep the slightly bowed board visually smooth, making the overall presentation even more refined.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Revival of Coastal Heritage

This project was a beautiful blend of restoration, preservation, and presentation. By carefully addressing the warping, selecting the right frame and mounts, and using specialist glazing, we were able to bring new life to a rare and meaningful piece of Brighton’s seaside history—ensuring it can be enjoyed and admired for many more years to come.