In the world of framing and presentation, the matboard holds a significant place. Serving both practical and aesthetic purposes, it enhances the appeal of artwork while also providing protection. However, the journey of matboard as we know it today had humble beginnings, with one company playing a pivotal role in its evolution: Bainbridge.
Established in 1867 in Brooklyn, New York, Bainbridge started its journey as "Charles T. Bainbridge & Sons." In 1891, Charles T. Bainbridge filed the world's first official patent on matboard with his "picture mat" (patent pictured above). In addition to becoming the very first decorative matboard, it introduced color and texture to matting and gave birth to the framing industry as we know it.
Bainbridge has continued this legacy of innovation throughout its history. In 1979 the company introduced Alphamat, the first archival matboard with color, offering the benefit of preservation without sacrificing design. In 1995, it introduced Artcare technology, the first matting and mounting material providing acrive protection to artwork from damaging airborne contaminants.
Now headquartered in Wheeling, IL, Bainbridge continues its legacy of innovation and technology. Keep an eye out for the next innovation from Bainbridge!
