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 James Cosgrove
A customer recently brought in this little (5-3/4″ x 8″) oil on board by Glasgow painter James Cosgrove(b. 1939). The stained walnut frame was designed entirely to the painting, with a carved cushion rim around a flat with fine carved flutes. I’m very ... continue reading.
Framing Dwight Clay Holmes
We just framed this 20″ x 16″ canvas by Texan Dwight Clay Holmes (1900-1986) titled “Red Bud”. I was especially pleased with the form of the frame profile as an enhancement to both the graceful use of line in the painting (hence the reeding) and ... continue reading.
Framing Contemporary Photographs–Geoffrey Agrons, 2
A couple of years ago I posted an entry about framing Geoffrey Agrons’s wonderful photographs. Here are a couple more we just did. This first one, “Big, Big Love” is in an exhibit opening this month at the Center for Fine Art Photography in Fort Collin... continue reading.
How Art Fairs Frame Art
“Art is the expression of man’s joy in his labor” — that’s how the great material task of humanity and civilization was framed by William Morris. (Yes, it was Morris — not, as a Google search will lead you to believe, Henry Kissinger)... continue reading.
Framing Louis Apol
Here’s a notable historical work for you. Just framed this beautiful European landscape by Louis Apol (Dutch, 1850-1936), “A Forest in Winter” (oil on canvas, 32 x 25). (Click image for a larger view.) The stained quartersawn white oak frame is a 4-1/2... continue reading.
Framing Grueby Tiles
We just finished framing a batch of Grueby tiles for a customer in Ohio. Something simple but alive to these very lovely and historic items. A pleasure! (Click images to view larger.)... continue reading.
Ranches & Rolling Hills – MALT Art Show and Sale 2012
Spring is here a bit early this year with daffodils and fruit trees in full bloom. I have been visiting some beautiful West Marin MALT ranches, painting and collecting images for this year’s 15th Annual “Ranches & Rolling Hills” art show. Three yea... continue reading.
Framing a Grueby Tile
We just shipped out this beautiful 6″ Grueby tulip tile to a customer in Ohio. The soft and subtle form of the leaves suggested a very feminine frame and inspired this adaptation of our Holland profile. For more on framing Arts and Crafts tiles, see this older ent... continue reading.
Re-framing William Hubacek
Just framed this 10″ x 14″ oil on canvas by notable Californian William Hubacek (1871-1958), rescuing it from a cheap gold setting. The job offers a good before-and-after, and a good example, I think, of how a frame helps or hinders your ability to see the p... continue reading.