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Custom, Museum Quality Frames Handmade in Chicago
Located in Chicago, we create custom, finished corner, museum quality fine art frames. Traditional or contemporary; gilded, stained or lacquered, each frame is custom designed and handmade. Our showroom features over 5,000 custom picture frame samples, all of which can be further customized.
A Custom Display for an Heirloom Sgian-dubh
A custom double post mount was made to display this heirloom Sgian-Dubh with sheath. A sgian-dubh is a small single edged knife worn as part of Scottish Highland Dress.
To honor both the knife and the sheath, it was decided to display both pieces rather than just the sgian-dubh inset within the sheath. A double post steel mount was fabricated to elevate and present each piece at a slight angle. The mount was painted with a black, powdercoated finish. The mount has a dado step to accommodate the vitrine.
A custom acrylic vitrine with polished museum seams was fabricated to cover and protect the heirloom for display.
Antique Glass Replacement for an Heirloom Curio Cabinet
This antique curio cabinet was damaged from impact from a collapsed wall.
The glass panel in the right door was broken, and the veneer on the wooden cabinet was abraded from contact with moisture and debris. The broken antique glass panel had the desirable waviness and distortion that is typical of glass in the late 1700s-early 1900s.
The curio cabinet was a prized family heirloom, and one of the favorite elements was the character of the rippled and waviness of the glass panel.
During the treatment, we wanted to ensure that the replacement glass panel matched the remaining antique glass panel in the left door. Contemporary glass is even in plane and does not have the distortion as antique glass. A new glass panel just simply wouldn’t do!
A Custom Vitrine for “An Infinite Expanse of Sky” by Jacob Hashimoto
This petite kite is part of an edition of 300, from the January 20, 1998-September 26,1999 installation at the MCA Chicago. The kite was reversibly mounted to an archival, white linen wrapped mount and then elevated 3/4″ from the linen mount to give it a floating effect within the display. Given the small size, the vitrine was designed to be versatile, so it is deep enough for it to stand upright on a shelf or could be installed flush to a wall with an integrated cleat.
The Conservation of a Gilded Age Frame
The hanging hardware failed on this gilded age frame, causing it to fall to the floor. The impact resulted in several areas of damaged and missing ornamentation.
The frame was cleaned using a combination of aqueous and dry methods. The lifting areas of finish and damaged areas of ornamentation weere consolidated using an archival adhesive. The ornamentation loss were infilled, cast and selectively carved.
The Restoration of an Antique Claw Foot Piano Stool
Multiple attempts had been made to try to repair this heirloom piano stool before it was dropped off to us. The base was cracked, and the seat no longer spun. Two of the legs were broken off. Duct tape, wood glue and super glue were present on the areas of damage.
When we restore furniture, we keep in mind that it needs to be functional and safe to use.
A Custom Shadowbox for “Jaqueline at the Easel” by Pablo Picasso
This original glazed ceramic round dish titled, “Jacqueline at the Easel” by Pablo Picasso arrived to us with the request to safely display it vertically. It was previously display on a tabletop easel, however, that left it vulnerable to accidental damage. The piece is part of an edition of 200 and features Picasso’s second wfire, Jacqueline in front of an easel. We designed a custom shadowbox to display the piece upright on a wall. The shadowbox accommodates the depth and allows the three-dimensional artwork to be displayed with other two-dimensional masterpieces within the collection.
The Treatment of an Antique Ansonia Clock
This antique mantel clock was recovered from a residential fire. The clock was manfactured in the United states by the Ansonia Clock Company in the early 20th century. The Ansonia clock company was in business from 1851-1929. This prized family heirloom had been in the family for almost 120 years. The clock sustained exposure from soot as well as moisture.
The delicate porcelain case was carefully cleaned using a combination of aqueous and dry methods. Great care was taken to preserve the hand painted floral design as well as the gilt detail throughout.
The Repair of an Antique Doll Buggy
Blot it Out, Dramatic Treatment Results of a WWI Liberty Bond Poster
This original WWI Liberty Bond poster sat rolled in water for three weeks, resulting in disfiguring water damage including severe discoloration, delamination from the mount and wrinkling throughout.
The tears were mended and then the sheet was relined. Minor retouching was undertaken to further integrate pervasic staining.
When works on paper, prints, drawings, lithographs, etchings, etc are damaged from a water or fire loss; it is important to consult a conservator.
Works on paper are more resilient than most would think.
We are available to assist you
Main Location
840 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago IL 60642
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5:30pm
Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: Closed
Complimentary parking is available in the loading zone in front of the building
We can also serve you by appointment at our other locations in the Chicagoland area.
Additional Locations
Schiller Park • Highland Park • Lake Forest • Lincoln Park • Nashville, TN
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