PICTURE FRAMES

Treatment of 19th century frame

Portrait frame

Before treatment

Portrait frame

After treatment

Victorian frame missing large pieces

This large frame had suffered extreme damage and the loss of multiple sections.

Victorian frame missing large pieces

The first step of any frame treatment is stabilizing the underlying wood joinery.

Victorian frame missing large pieces

Missing pieces can be molded and cast, but this frame required extensive hand-sculpting of new elements.

Victorian frame missing large pieces

24k leaf, bronze and copper alloy powders in emulsion, and water-based antiquing varnishes are used to match the surrounding antique gilding.

Frame element from a Munger clock

One of the eagle heads and one of the leaf tips was missing.

Frame element from a Munger clock

The pieces were repaired, and the missing head and leaf tips were hand-sculpted.

Frame element from a Munger clock

The new pieces were gilded with 24K gold leaf.

Frame element from a Munger clock

The shiny new gilt was toned down with antique washes.

Munger clock, repaired top in place

Portrait frame before treatment

Portrait frame

Before treatment: this frame had fallen off a wall, and the impact caused the rails to separate at the corners.

Portrait frame

During treatment: sometimes, the first step of a frame restoration is to tighten gaps at the mitred corners.

Portrait frame

After treatment: broken pieces assembled, missing pieces created, and spot gilding complete

Square frame with separating corners

Before treatment

Square frame with separating corners

After treatment

On site treatments can be arranged.

Frames that are very large or fragile are sometimes best treated on site.