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
Hanging at the American Museum of Natural History
I’m at the shop today in Emeryville, but the three of us at Holton Studio are also hanging in the American Museum of Natural History and taking part in the reopening of the North American Mammal Hall for which we produced dozens of hand carved oak frames as well a... continue reading.
Mirror with Carved Medallion
Here’s a recently commissioned mirror. The design is based on that of a pair of frames I made years ago for two leather panels by CR Ashbee. This mirror is a horizontal adaption of that design, featuring at the top center a carved medallion with two pine cones. Th... continue reading.
Framing Gustave Baumann Prints
Over the years we’ve had the pleasure to frame quite a few prints by master American printmaker Gustave Baumann (1881-1971). Here are three just finished: Gustave Baumann, “Early Spring, Brown County” Gustave Baumann, “Rio Pecos” Gustave Ba... continue reading.
Framing Thaddeus Welch—Carved Corners
Had the privilege of framing a Thaddeus Welch (1844-1919) oil painting a while back (here). Took a very different approach with this one, playing up the wonderful tradition of Taos frames. Trevor Davis had made a corner sample similar to this, and when the painting came... continue reading.
Framing a Benjamin Williams Leader Landscape
Just finished framing this spectacular 1875 Alpine landscape oil painting by British artist Benjamin Williams Leader (1831 – 1923), titled “The Wetterhorn from Rosenlaui.” At 72″ x 60″ it has a powerful presence (see last photo for scale). ... continue reading.
Framing a Millard Sheets Watercolor
Another wonderful California watercolor, this one by Millard Sheets: “Boats of Noyo,” 1974, 22″ x 30″. The bold and colorful watercolor has all the presence of an oil painting, warranting our framing it close (an 8-ply gasket mat and lined rabbet... continue reading.
Framing Alfred Stieglitz
Am quite pleased with how this one turned out — a little (5″ x 6-1/4″) print of an iconic New York streetscape by one the great masters of photography, Alfred Stieglitz (1864-1946). The frame’s 2″ wide, in walnut with a bit of Nut Brown stain. ... continue reading.
Paul Kratter Wins Plein Air Awards
Paul Kratter is sporting two more feathers in his cap. At last month’s Carmel Art Festival, his painting “Rush Hour” (oil on canvas, 8″ x 16″) was awarded Second Place—a feat topped this month with first prize honors for his “Glory ... continue reading.
Framing Stan Washburn and Chez Panisse
Pictures that depict frames and finish trim always offer the frame-maker an opportunity to achieve a high degree of harmony and unity between the picture and the frame. Such is the case with this Stan Washburn oil on canvas — a view of the Craftsman interior of Berkel... continue reading.