- Claremont Custom Framing and Art Restoration

Custom Framing for a Vintage Ribbon Doll

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Custom Framing, Art Restoration, Claremont Custom Framing Claremont NH

Our post this week features a lovely family heirloom brought to us for framing. The figure, a vintage “ribbon-doll”, is of a type of art that has roots all the way back to the 1830’s when a publisher named Louis Antoine Godey began publishing Godey’s Lady’s Book – one of America’s most popular magazines of the day. The editor, Sarah Josepha Hale (author of Mary Had a Little Lamb) designed the magazine to entertain, inform and educate women of that time. Of particular interest were depictions of the latest styles in dress. The magazine’s readers often cut out the fashion pictures and, adding fabric and ribbon to the silhouettes, would frame them. This tradition continued in the first half of the 20th century – the likely time period of our featured item – when ribbon kits were sold with fashion images that were similar to paper dolls. Ribbons and other fabrics would then be added to the card stock by the creator. After positioning our featured item to depict perhaps a hint of motion in the flowing ribbon, all was fitted within archival materials for longevity, in an attractive gilded frame and design that draws the eye into the art, adding depth and interest. The glazing of optically treated Plexiglass finishes the project, providing glare resistance and protection for many more years of enjoyment. Thank you! Vintage heirlooms of your own needing attention? We’d love to help. Please contact us here for more information, or stop by our Claremont, NH shop for a free evaluation. (Walk-ins welcome, but appointments appreciated!) While you’re here, why not have a look at our Gallery for inspiration!