Picture hanging systems
At AEC Museum & Gallery Products, we can design and manufacture bespoke picture hanging systems that meet all your practical and aesthetic needs.
Fully Adjustable: Our system is designed to grow with your collection, allowing you to adjust and reposition as needed easily.
Machined from Solid Material: Each component is machined from solid material, ensuring unmatched quality and longevity. Trust in a product that’s as durable as it is beautiful.
What is it?
A picture hanging system consists of key components, including a wall bracket or wall fixing and rails. The wall bracket provides sturdy support for the rail, which serves as the anchor for the entire system, offering a sleek and unobtrusive foundation. The rail seamlessly accommodates a hook and chain, allowing the artwork to be hung using standard hooks or chain levellers fixed to the back of the picture.
Can I customise the system to suit my aesthetic and needs?
AEC offers a range of sizes, colours, materials, and finishes for the hanging system, tailored to suit your specific aesthetic preferences. Whether you’re looking for the warmth of brass or the sleekness of stainless steel, we have options to suit your style.
From virtually invisible track systems to more traditional picture rails and chain hangers, we can produce a diverse range of solutions and more to meet your needs.
Will the picture rail work with different wall types?
Our system is versatile and adaptable for installation on various wall types, including timber walls, masonry, drywall, brick, or plaster, we use the right fixings to ensure a secure mounting. Simply inform us of your wall type, and we’ll guide you through the appropriate installation method.
Product Finishes
Our picture rail system is designed with sophistication and versatility in mind. We provide all kinds of finishes, some of which are:
Antique Bronze
This finish offers a vintage look that pairs splendidly with brass materials, perfect for spaces that celebrate history and heritage.
Chemically Blackened
The chemically blackened finish provides a sleek, understated aesthetic for a bold, contemporary edge.
Highly Polished Mirrored Effect
Make a statement with a finish that shines. The mirrored effect adds a layer of sophistication and reflects the environment and lighting in your space.
Natural High-Quality Machined Satin Finish
Our satin finish provides a subtle and refined texture for those who prefer the understated elegance of a matte look.
Got a question about our custom-made picture hanging systems? Please get in touch to discuss your needs.
The drawings/pictures shown on this website are only provided to give you an idea of what we can produce.
As this is a bespoke service, we encourage you to contact us so we are able to quote for a package that meet your exact needs.
Discover tailored accessories for your unique style
Hanging chains
Anti-vibration mounts
Rail hooks
Frame-mounted chain fixing
Chain levelers
Leveller with wall fixing
Gallery hanging systems we’ve designed, manufactured and installed
Around the UK and overseas, you’ll find our picture hanging systems in a wide range of art galleries, museums and other public spaces. The types of systems we’ve designed, manufactured and installed include:
// Systems for Large and Heavy Frames:
Engineered to securely support larger and heavier artworks, ensuring safety and stability.
// Wall and Ceiling Mounted Systems:
Versatile solutions that adapt to different architectural styles and space requirements.
// Traditional Brass Rail and Chain Picture Hanging Systems:
Embracing the timeless tradition of art display, this method offers a distinguished and elegant way to showcase art.
// Picture Rails with 12v Power Supply for Picture Lighting:
Integrating lighting solutions to enhance the visual impact of the displayed art.
// Gallery Hanging Systems for Suspended Ceilings:
Specially designed systems that cater to the unique requirements of suspended ceiling structures.
// Anti-Theft Art Hanging Systems:
Incorporating security features to protect valuable artworks from theft.
Why choose AEC for an art hanging system?
Outstanding quality
All our systems for hanging art are made from first-class materials and designed and manufactured by our highly skilled engineers and machinists in Surrey.
Choose your finish
You can have your picture hanging system flawlessly covered in any paint colour. We also offer a range of other metal finishes, including polishing, antique bronzing and patination.
One-stop shop
As well as designing and manufacturing your bespoke picture hanging system, our team of technicians can install it so it works perfectly for you.
Premium customer service
We pride ourselves on carefully listening to our clients’ needs and answering their questions promptly so they have a great customer experience with us.
Details of Our Gallery Hanging Systems
Timeless Aesthetic
Our gallery hanging systems are designed to complement any space with their classic elegance. Embracing a centuries-old heritage in art display, these systems offer a distinguished and elegant way to showcase art, enhancing the visual harmony of your curated art collection.
Versatility in Display
Flexibility is a hallmark of our systems. With the use of chains and S-Hooks, our systems allow for a versatile and secure hanging solution that’s adaptable to a multitude of display requirements. This enables multiple pictures to hang from a single rail, allowing for dynamic and creative arrangements that cater to changing exhibitions and displays.
Easy Adjustability
Our systems are user-friendly, allowing artworks to be moved up or down with minimal effort. The inclusion of tilt control with chain eyes ensures meticulous control over the angle of each displayed piece, making it simple to refresh your space as needed while presenting each artwork at its best angle.
Durability and Strength
Constructed to stand the test of time and backed up by load testing, our picture hanging systems promise a secure and enduring display. They are capable of supporting a range of artwork sizes and weights, thanks to their robust design and the inclusion of chain levellers, which are central to maintaining artwork at the perfect level.
Discrete yet Strong Wall Fixings
The sleek design of our wall and ceiling fixings ensures they remain discreet. Their strength confidently supports even the heaviest of artworks while maintaining stability and precision levelling without being obtrusive.
Security Feature
Our systems include simple yet effective security features, such as anti-theft art hanging systems and security screws, adding an additional layer of protection against opportunistic theft and providing peace of mind.
Use cases
Art Galleries and Museums
Our system is perfectly suited for professional settings, where the display of art is central to the visitor experience.
Heritage Homes
In historical settings, our artwork hanging rail system respects the aesthetic of the past while fulfilling modern display needs.
Educational Institutions and Public Buildings
From hallways to exhibition areas, our system provides an educational and aesthetic function, displaying artworks and informational materials.
Installation Process
Due to the technical nature of the installation process, we strongly recommend that it be carried out by professionals. Our team at Museum & Gallery Products is equipped with the necessary skills and experience to ensure a seamless and safe installation.
1. Initial Assessment and Marking Locations:
Our team begins by assessing the installation site and using a string line to determine the optimal positioning for the picture rail. We then mark the locations for the boss and jacking plate on the wall.
2. Wall Preparation:
We carefully drill holes at the marked spots to fit the boss and jacking plate, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
3. Jacking Plate Installation:
The jacking plate is inserted into the prepared hole, aligned so that the hole for the wood screw is at the top.
4. Securing the Jacking Plate:
A wood screw is driven through the jacking plate into the wall for a temporary hold. We use angle adjustment grub screws to level the plate before fully securing it.
5. Cover Plate Attachment:
The cover plate is placed over the jacking plate, aligned precisely with the nut.
6. Pressure Rings and Clamp Orientation:
Pointed grub screws and pressure rings are attached to the cover plate, and the clamp is screwed on and adjusted for correct orientation.
7. Picture Rail Installation:
The picture rail is slid into the clamp with grub screws facing the wall, indicating the back of the rail. The clamp screw is then tightened to secure the rail firmly.
8. Levelling and Final Adjustments:
Our installers ensure that the rail is perfectly level and make any necessary adjustments.
9. Finishing and Artwork Hanging:
Once installation is complete, artwork can be hung using chains and S-Hooks, with chain levellers adjusted for perfect alignment.
Client Involvement and Consultation
Pre-Installation Consultation:
Before installation, we conduct a thorough consultation to understand your specific requirements and to plan accordingly.
Post-Installation Walkthrough:
After installation, we provide a detailed walkthrough of the installed system, demonstrating how to use and maintain it for optimal display of your artwork.
FAQs
Is it easy to install the picture rail system?
Absolutely. We’ve designed our art hanging hardware to be user-friendly with a simple installation process. For your convenience, we provide a clear, step-by-step guide. We also offer an installation service if you’re setting up a larger display or prefer a professional touch.
How should I maintain and clean my picture rail?
Keeping your picture rail system in top shape is straightforward. Dust it lightly with a soft cloth for regular upkeep. For deeper cleans, a damp cloth with mild soap will do the trick — just make sure to avoid abrasive materials that could scratch the finish.
How do I adjust the height or position of my artwork on the picture rail once installed?
The system’s design includes adjustable hooks and chains, which means you can reposition your artwork anytime without additional tools. Just release the hook, set it to your desired height, and secure it back in place.
What should I do if I need replacement parts for my picture rail hanging system?
If you require replacement parts or additional components, contact us directly. We can manufacture a full range of parts and can assist you in finding exactly what you need, to keep your display in perfect condition.
How do you hang a heavy picture on a picture rail?
For any work weighing over 75 KGs, we recommend the use of additional wall fixing or L brackets (which we can also supply), tailored specifically for that artwork. This is so that the majority of the weight is supported by the additional bracket rather than the picture hanging system.
How much weight can the picture rail support?
Depends on how many wall fixing there are and what we are fixing into. We can offer a system that suits your needs.