Blog
Archival Framing of an Autographed Michael Jackson Thriller Album
A signed Michael Jackson Thriller album cover and its vinyl record come together in an archival shadowbox frame, mounted without permanent alteration and protected behind UV-filtering Museum Glass
Setting the Stage: Custom Framing for an Original Fu Manchu Lithograph
A 1940 lithograph promoting magician Fu Manchu (David Bamberg) receives an archival, Art Deco–inspired frame with hand-wrapped silk and suede mats and Museum Glass, extending the visual drama of the original composition.
Restoring an Antique Tantalus: History, Craft, and Glass Replacement
Silver Trophy Restoration Following Fire Exposure
An Inspired Charles Prendergast Frame for a Turn of the Century Portrait
Charles Prendergast was a renowned frame-maker at the turn of the century. This heirloom albumen print arrived at our studio for framing. We selected this 3/4″ width, Charles Prendergast-inspired frame. The two-tone 22k and 12k white gold leaf with inscribed flower blossoms at each corner provided visual interest without overwhelming the portrait. With the details of the floral design and the implementation of two different karats of gold leaf, this frame honors the vision of Prendergast by “bringing out the fine points of a good picture”.
Before and After-The Treatment of a Mid Century Still Life Painting
A great before and after example of a recent painting treatment.
Through surface cleaning and minor conservation intervention, the painting now represents the artist’s original intention and is now back on display.
The Creation of a Time-Honored Gilded Portrait Frame
The fabrication of a custom gilded frame for an heirloom portrait by William Carqueville.
This beautiful portrait from the early 1930s was painted by Chicago artist, William Carqueville (1871-1946). He studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and briefly in Paris. While he is known for his realistic paintings, he is most recognized for his lithographic illustrations. His work was published in literary magazines such as Lippencotts, International, Harper’s, Scribner’s, etc. Read more to learn more about the step-by-step process of making a custom finished corner frame for this stunning portrait.
Treatment of a 19th Century Monumental Urn
This 19th century monumental urn arrived to us with a broken post that was heavily corroded. Old previous, failed attempts to repair were evident.
The urn was carefully cleaned and disassembled. A new mechanical fastener was installed and the urn properly reassembled. A light protective coat of microcrystalline wax was applied to the surface and hand buffed. Now stable, the piece is now back on display.
A shadowbox frame for Dancing Hare and Dancing Kong Tamari
We recently framed this pair of figures, Dancing Hare Toddy and Dancing Kong Tamari, c. 1980, by Chicago Imagist, Karl Wirsum.
Each figure was archival hinged and elevated within the shadowbox frame to allow more visual depth. The simplicity and contrast of the black frame with the ragboard mount nicely offsets prominent teal color, while reinforcing the linear design in the figures. White ragboard spacers were used to line the interior of the frame. Conservation clear glass was installed to help protect the work from UV light. The original envelope for the set was encapsulated and mounted to the backboard on the verso. Our designers work with our clients to review and select the right frame profile, mount, glazing, backboard and overall presentation. We enjoy creating the right frame to display our client’s artwork, while archivally mounting and framing the piece to ensure its longevity.
Cleaning of a Victorian Spoon Warmer
In the late 19th century when Victorian homes were cold and drafty, having cold silverware was a concern. Spoon warmers were considered a fashionable way for the hostess to warm serving spoons. This nautilus shaped, silver plated spoon warmer was made in the last quarter of the 19th century by Atkin Brothers. The piece arrived heavily soiled with kitchen grease and tarmished. The warmer was carefully cleansed to remove soiling and grease deposits. It was then hand polished to it’s desired luster. Attention was paid to not overclean and compromised the plating.
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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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