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 Scotland: Another Way to Frame Maps
My last two posts were about two jobs we recently did framing antique maps, both featuring carved frames. (The posts are here and here.) Today’s post features two wonderful old maps of Scotland, both in frames that are not carved, but with which I’m no less ... continue reading.
Another Carved Frame for a Map
Last week I put up a post about a carved frame we made for a wonderful 17th Century map of the Americas. Here’s another map in a carved frame—a very special early map of the State of Illinois I framed recently for a resident of that important state. In 1822, whe... continue reading.
Baroque in Oak: Framing a 17th Century Map
It’s not often that we do anything in a baroque style, but since one of our founding principles is adaptation, when a customer sent me a 17th century map of the Americas to frame, I welcomed the challenge. The map’s wonderful illustrations included numerous ... continue reading.
Framing Thomas Hill’s Yosemite Valley
A lucky customer turned up an unsigned painting of Yosemite by Thomas Hill (1829-1908)—a very special painting by a very special painter needing a very special frame. One of my all time favorite frame jobs is this grand Thomas Hill winter scene of the White Mountains ... continue reading.
Framing Emmy Lou Packard
We recently framed this extraordinary large block print by noted California artist Emmy Lou Packard (1914-1998). Measuring 24″ x 18″, it’s an image of an artichoke harvester. I loved the pattern in the background and decided to carry it out in the fram... continue reading.
“Love Round the Earth”: Framing Ships for the Holidays
Here’s an exemplary Arts and Crafts tile we just framed. It’s over a century old, made by the outstanding Cincinnati tile maker, Rookwood (founded in 1880 and still active!). If you’re at all familiar with the Arts and Crafts Movement, you’ve pro... continue reading.
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.