Medal Framing & Display
Specialists in conservation-grade medal framing for military, sports and service medals. We use reversible pin-mounting techniques, acid-free backing materials and UV-protective glazing to keep your medals safe for decades. Every display is built to allow removal for cleaning, polishing or inspection without disturbing the arrangement.
Description
Bespoke Medal Framing by Harten
Harten has framed hundreds of medal collections over more than fifty years, from single campaign medals to full-size court-mounted groups with clasps and ribbon bars. Every medal framing project starts with a careful assessment of the items, their condition, and how you want them presented. We build each display from scratch using conservation-grade materials, reversible fixing methods, and UV-protective glazing to ensure your medals are protected without compromise.
Medal Mounting Methods
We use several techniques to secure medals safely inside a frame. Entomology pins hold medals by their suspension rings or clasps without piercing the medal itself. Cushion mounts cradle heavier medals on shaped, fabric-covered supports that distribute weight evenly. Ribbon bars are dressed and pinned flat against acid-free backing board, keeping the silk taut without adhesive. For loose medals we build individual pockets from conservation-grade card so each piece sits in its own recess. Every method is fully reversible — your medals can be removed and returned without leaving marks or residue.
Military Medal Groups
Correct ordering matters when framing military medals. Court-mounted groups follow a specific precedence set by the Ministry of Defence, with campaign medals ordered by date and long-service awards placed after operational decorations. We research the correct sequence for each group and arrange them accordingly, whether the set is court-mounted on a single bar or swing-mounted individually. If you have miniatures, ribbon bars, or clasps, we incorporate these into the layout in their proper positions. The result is a display that respects military convention and presents the group exactly as it would be worn.
Sports and Achievement Medals
Marathon medals, competition awards, academic honours and professional certificates all deserve proper presentation. Sports medals tend to be larger and heavier than military decorations, so we adjust our mounting approach accordingly — deeper frames, stronger fixings, and layouts that accommodate ribbons and lanyards without folding or bunching. We can arrange multiple marathon medals in chronological order, group competition awards by discipline, or combine academic medals with degree certificates in a single cohesive display.
Frame and Display Options
Medal displays work best in deeper frames that give the pieces room to sit proud of the backing. Our box frames are built to any depth, so whether you have a single flat medal or a large court-mounted group with swing-mounted pieces, we construct a frame that fits. For a more contemporary look, our acrylic box frames offer a clean, frameless appearance with full UV protection. We finish frames in any colour or material — timber, painted, or metal — and glazing options include standard glass, anti-reflective glass, and museum-grade UV-filtering acrylic.
Incorporating Photos and Documents
Many medal displays tell a broader story when combined with photographs, certificates, cap badges, shoulder titles, or regiment patches. We design layouts that give each element its own space while maintaining a balanced composition. Photos and documents are mounted on acid-free board behind conservation-grade mounts, and three-dimensional items like cap badges or buttons are secured on individual risers within the frame. If you have a service record, letter, or newspaper clipping you want included, we can incorporate it without trimming or adhesive so the original is preserved intact.
Conservation and Protection
Medal ribbons are particularly vulnerable to light damage. Silk and grosgrain fade quickly under direct or indirect UV exposure, so we fit UV-protective glazing as standard on every medal frame. All backing boards, mounts, and spacers are acid-free to prevent tarnish migration and fabric discolouration over time. We seal frames with dust covers to reduce atmospheric exposure while allowing controlled ventilation. If you need to remove medals periodically for cleaning, polishing, or wearing on parade, we design the display with a removable panel or hinged front so access is straightforward. For full details on our conservation framing approach, see our dedicated page.
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Tell us about your artwork and we will provide a free, no-obligation quote. Most projects are completed within 2-4 weeks.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about medal framing and display
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Military medals follow a strict order of precedence set by the Ministry of Defence, with campaign medals arranged by date of issue and long-service awards placed after operational decorations. We research the correct sequence for your group and arrange them accordingly. Sports and achievement medals are typically displayed in chronological order or grouped by discipline.
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Yes. We design every medal display with removal in mind. Depending on the frame style, we fit either a removable back panel or a hinged glazed front so you can access your medals without dismantling the frame. All our mounting methods are fully reversible, so medals lift out cleanly and can be returned to exactly the same position.
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Frame size depends on the number of medals, whether they are court-mounted or swing-mounted, and whether you want to include additional items like photographs or documents. We measure each piece and design a layout before building the frame, so every display is made to measure. A typical five-medal court-mounted group fits comfortably in a frame around 40cm by 30cm, but we build to any size required.
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Absolutely. Combined displays are one of our most popular medal framing options. We design layouts that give each element its own space — medals on cushion mounts or pins, photographs behind conservation-grade mounts, and documents secured with acid-free corners. Cap badges, shoulder titles, and other three-dimensional items sit on individual risers within the frame.
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Medal ribbons are made from silk or grosgrain, both of which fade rapidly under UV exposure. We fit UV-protective glazing as standard on every medal frame, blocking the wavelengths that cause colour loss. Combined with acid-free backing materials and sealed dust covers, this protects ribbons and fabric from deterioration over time.
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Yes. Many of our medal framing clients send their medals to us by tracked, insured post. We provide detailed packing instructions to ensure safe transit. Once the frame is complete, we return it fully insured via a specialist art courier. If you prefer to deliver in person, you are welcome to visit our workshop by appointment.
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Discuss Your Project With Our Team
Our museum grade specialists will help you choose the right materials, finishes and construction for your artwork. Over 50 years of combined experience.
5 Year Guarantee · Museum Grade Quality · Free Consultation
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