A Frame-Maker’s Journal
Updates and reflections on our work and mission to revive the art and craft of framing pictures. Here I'll show you new jobs we're especially proud of and keep you up on what's going on at the Gallery, as well as discuss topics germane to our work, including handcraft and work generally, the place of art, and ideals of the Arts and Crafts Movement (especially its greatest leaders, John Ruskin and William Morris).
I hope you’ll subscribe (see the form in the left column) or at least check back often. And I welcome your comments!
—Tim Holton
Framing Diego Rivera
This is a very special piece, not only because of the prestigious name of the artist, but because it’s so highly treasured by the customer. The drawing was a gift from the artist, Diego Rivera (1886-1957), to the customer’s grandfather, who had been a friend of ... continue reading.
Framing Mick McGinty
A very satisfied customer left here this afternoon with this spectacular 20″ x 30″ contemporary oil painting of the Grand Canyon. Russ Lindsay of Nevada Fine Art had brought in this prime example of the work of Arizona painter Mick McGinty, whom he represent... continue reading.
Hello, Hope: Framing Terry Miura’s “Sonoma Idyll”
Terry Miura‘s “Sonoma Idyll” has been a favorite in the gallery since our Paul Kratter—Terry Miura show last spring. Now with fires raging in the wine country and changing it forever, an already beautiful painting is overlaid with new poignancy. The ... continue reading.
Framing Alan Tuttle
Shipped this frame to painter Alan B. Tuttle in Delaware a couple of weeks ago. We made it for his 24″ x 20″ oil on canvas, “The Falls,” painted in the Adirondacks. (In this image the painting’s photoshopped in to the frame.) I made the 4-3... continue reading.
Framing Ralph Holmes
This summer a good customer in the Los Angeles area brought up these two oil paintings by Ralph Holmes (1876-1963)—a renowned early twentieth century painter from that region. Holmes, however, arrived in California after he was well along in his career. He was born an... continue reading.
A Special Visit from Poet and Ruskin Scholar Clive Wilmer
I have exciting news! If you’ve read much of my blog then you know that one of my great heroes is John Ruskin, art and architecture critic, social reformer, and the founder and first Master of the Guild of St. George. So you can imagine how eagerly I’m looki... continue reading.
For Labor Day, Honoring the Joiner
This Labor Day I want to pause to pay tribute to the type of laborer called a joiner. Possibly you’re not sure what I mean by a joiner; the term is more common in Britain than it is here in the states. In the U.S., when we call someone a joiner we usually mean he ... continue reading.
Framing Ignacio Zuloaga (in the Prado)
We currently have five frames in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, all part of a major exhibition called “Treasures from the Hispanic Society of America: Visions of the Hispanic World.” All five are on oil paintings by Ignacio Zuloaga (1870-1945) which we frame... continue reading.
Celebrating our First Anniversary in Berkeley! Pictures from Last Summer’s BIG MOVE
One year ago this month we took possession of our new West Berkeley home. I was far too busy at the time to blog about the move, so I’m taking a few minutes to reflect on what can only be described as a miraculous effort on the part of this absolutely wonderful t... continue reading.