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
Fixing a “Very Prevalent Error”: Recent Re-framings, and a New Page on Wood vs Gold Frames
In the nineteenth century, reflecting the great turmoil that the arts were going through, many painters protested what could be called “the gold frame convention”—not only a prevailing taste but an actual rule among exhibitions that paintings must receive ... continue reading.
Framing Arnold Friberg
A year ago I posted in the portfolio a large painting by Arnold Friberg, “The Eyes of Chief Joseph”, which we were especially proud to frame. Just recently we got to frame three more by this important American illustrator. All are in substantial carved quart... continue reading.
Reviving the Art and Craft of Sign Painting
A shop selling handcrafted frames should have a handcrafted sign. So a few weeks ago we had our name painted in the window by a for-real sign painter—a breed of artisan that not long ago many thought would soon be made extinct by vinyl signs. Derek MacDonald and Tina ... continue reading.
Framing Mary Curtis Richardson
We recently framed this 1898 oil painting by notable California artist Mary Curtis Richardson (1848-1931) titled “Hal & His Dog”. Hal is comfortably seated in—and so framed by—a sturdy mission oak chair. From this, and also (conveniently) in harmony... continue reading.
Framing a Good Life: Lessons from the Stones of Siena
I’ve been writing about some of Italy’s most spectacular frames, including the Basilica San Marco in Venice and Giotto’s Tower in Florence, and great lessons their stones still teach about the place of art and the unity of the arts—two fundamental concerns of th... continue reading.
What Ruskin Saw Framed in the Stones of Florence
One day in the 1860’s Ruskin had stood here at the base of the Campanile in Florence, his famously observant eyes captivated, darting back and forth between the sketchbook in his hand and one particular engraved stone just above eye level on the tower’s north wa... continue reading.
Framing Paradise in the Stones of Venice
John Ruskin called Venice the Paradise of Cities. And so it is. Last month I spent five days in Paradise, which I can report is—curiously enough—populated mostly by tourists who don’t plan to stay long. (Maybe they all have bad consciences and don’t thin... continue reading.
Now showing: “A California Spring”
We had a terrific opening a couple of weeks ago for our current show, “A California Spring.” It’s up for 2 more weeks (closing Saturday, May 31), and we’d love to have you come by to see this great display of dozens of new works by fourteen highl... continue reading.
“A California Spring” Almost Sprung
Final preparations are being made for our show that’s opening at The Holton Studio Gallery on Saturday, “A California Spring.” We’ll be hosting a reception for the artists that day from 5 to 7, and invite one and all to join us. We’ve also ... continue reading.