Backboard

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.

This 19th century frame arrived to us with several areas of loss and discolored overpaint. The remaining compo ornamentation was very unstable throughout. The owner was able to save most of the fragments in a small bag for us to use during treatment.

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.

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.