Holton Studio Frame-Makers
Reviving the Art and Craft of Frame-Making

 

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Picture Frames & Mirrors

 

frames and framing

Frames & Framing

mirrors

Mirrors


REVIVING THE ART AND CRAFT  OF FRAME-MAKING

By reuniting the ART of framing design with
the CRAFT of frame-making, we breath new life into
the ART and CRAFT of framing pictures

All the frames we sell are our own designs, and are custom made in our studio, by hand and from scratch. We offer not only a broad array of our established tried-and-true designs, but literally infinite possibilities for new designs to perfectly harmonize with your picture. Underlying our design approach is a belief that a picture can only be well-framed if it’s in a well-made frame. Our studio is not only a full-fledged custom frame shop but includes a complete woodworking shop, where three expert artisans working with beautiful hardwoods make all the frames by hand, using classic furniture-making techniques adapted to the particularly refined and precise demands of picture frame-making.

By combining framing design and crafting of frames in one small shop we’ve returned to the older, sounder approach to framing pictures before it became a big business. Holton Studio has revived the venerable Cabinetmakers’ Frame Tradition — the oldest framing tradition and the original way that framing was done.

Because the old way was first revived in the 19th century by the Arts and Crafts Movement, we work in the Arts and Crafts tradition, specializing in frames and mirrors for craftsman bungalows and turn-of-the-century pictures and interiors. Our specialties include genuine through mortise-and-tenon frames in quartersawn white oak in the mission oak style.

But embracing the timeless unity of art and craft means our approach transcends particular styles, and breathes new life into picture framing. Simply put, we offer you the opportunity to place your picture in the perfect setting — a setting that will endure in both design and craftsmanship. Learn more about our frames and framing.


painting

Custom Framing Services

The true test of a frame is how effectively it serves the picture. For this reason framing design, along with complete and expert archival framing, is a major aspect of our work. Browse a portfolio of some of our favorite custom framing jobs. Learn more about our framing services.
 
painting

At the Gallery

One of the most rewarding experiences for a framer is collaborating directly with artists whose work he especially responds to, and who appreciate the power of frames to enhance their pictures. We invite you to browse selections by contemporary artists Paul Kratter, Robin Moore, Robert Flanary, Yoshiko Yamamoto, and Patricia Curtan, as well as the Edward Curtis photogravures offered by Mountain Hawk Prints.

Gift Ideas From Holton Studio

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painting
At the Gallery we feature beautifully framed original pictorial art, including plein air landscape paintings by Paul Kratter (that’s his painting of our new storefront!).

Timothy Holton at work
“The frame is the picture’s accompanist: it has to be self-effacing and subordinate to the picture, and yet positively enhance and contribute to its beauty. Accompaniment is an art in itself.”

With decades of framing experience, Timothy Holton combines expert craftsmanship with personal, thoughtful and sensitive design advice and service.

Read Tim's article in the October 2007 Picture Framing Magazine - download PDF.

 mortise-and-tenon joinery
Our specialties include genuine through mortise-and-tenon joinery.

We’re in the San Francisco Bay Area, near Berkeley and Oakland.

Our beautiful new showroom is at

5510 Doyle St.,
Emeryville, California

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just across the street from the frame-making studio.
(The mailing address is still 5515 Doyle St., No. 2, Emeryville, CA 94608)

Showroom Hours

Tuesday–Friday: 10–5:30
Saturday: 11–4
Note: Hours are subject to occasional change. If you’re going out of your way to visit us, we recommend calling ahead.

Site Design by Sparklejet
Our web site is designed and maintained by Matt Jalbert. We enthusiastically recommend his work. Visit Sparklejet or call (415) 647-7275.

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