Victorian-era picture-hanging techniques

I recently completed a renovation of my apartment where I, among other things, added in picture rail.  Now I’m at the point where I am ready to hang some pictures, but I wanted to try and do it in a historically-sensitive way to complete the look. 

My research thus far has tended to point to two methods:  using a picture rail hook and some kind of wire, or using a brass rod hanging system.  I’m looking for any detail anybody might have on the practice of picture hanging.  For intance, what sort of line/wire might have been used in the early 1900s?  Thanks for any suggestions!

PLGenius

in Decorative 13 years and 5 months ago

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daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Why does this damn site always f u c k up the attached websites when you post them??????????   www.swanpicturehangers.com

daveinbedstuy | 13 years and 5 months ago

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JHooks and decorative braided rope….   http://www.swanpicturehangers.com/   HOWEVER, I found that using thse clips and the rail wasn’t adequate for anything that weighed more than a few pounds, most likely buecause I had a lot of paint built up on my rail.  So, I hung all the pics the usual way and used the braided rope and picture rail clips decoratively but not functionally.   That website has more thasn you can imagine!!!!

BHS | 13 years and 5 months ago

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By the early 1900s a rail hook with wire was very common–I’ve seen a lot of interior photos. Just use regular picture hanging wire from the hardware store.

cupolacoffee | 13 years and 5 months ago

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Frames were often suspended by ribbon or chain hung from elaborate tassels, medallions and other hardware. House of Antique Hardware sells reproductions of some of these. Visit the period rooms of the Brooklyn Museum and the Met. Examine the backgrounds of period films to catch glimpses of hanging art.