I'm framing up some photos for a gallery (first time) and am wondering
what the standard procedure is for this. Are the use of spring clips
(to hold the photo in) generally acceptable? Should there be a dust
cover on the back, or can I just use the backing board behind the
matt? How should wire be attached?

Thanks much!

< I have been involved with the international art business for a
number of years and have come across all manner of framing. Galleries
generally require that the works are framed and ready to hang. They
want the work well presented and protected from damage.

Artists are always short of funds and often look for cheap methods to
display their work. A number of artists who I know personally have a
set of temporary frames just for exhibition use.

A buyer will be interested in the work and not in the frame. Some will
be happy with the way the work is framed and will negotiate to buy the
frame. Often buyers will have their own ideas about framing and will
get the work professionally framed.  It is therefore important that
whatever method of framing you use, that the photograph can easily be
removed from its frame.

The purpose of framing is to protect the photograph from damage caused
by for example humidity, dust, mold growth, insect damage, water
staining and condensation.

When framing it is important that the photograph does not come into
contact with the glass. For this reason matting (passepartout) is
used.

Spring clips are not recommended as they can cause buckling of the
photograph.

There are a range of different fixings that can be used to attach
wires. Examples of these can be seen at
http://www.artmaterialsservice.com/Catalogue/HangBackload.htm and
http://www.framing4yourself.com/materials/mat_screws.htm
The wire is then attached to the fixing by twisting it with a pair of
pliers.

It is advisable to use a dust cover. 

Advice on framing photographs is given at 
http://www.vad1.com/photo/framing.html

A step by step guide to framing is given at
http://muextension.missouri.edu/explore/hesguide/intdes/gh2133.htm

Books on framing.
http://www.framing4yourself.com/teachyourself/guidebooks.htm>


<Search strategy:>

<"framing photographs">
<://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=%22framing+photographs%22>

<"framing" wire>
<://www.google.com/search?hl=en&lr=&ie=ISO-8859-1&q=%22framing%22+wire>


<Hope this helps.>

Thanks so much belindalevez-ga.  Your answer was very helpful.  Much appreciated!