Beautiful Custom Framing Since 1975.

 There’s more than meets the eye in a custom picture frame. But it’s for the beauty of artful design and the promise of expert craftsmanship that most people first visit our shop. Below are recent examples of our work to see for yourself. 

With thousands of styles and colors to choose from, you can expect beauty, longevity, and value. But you’ll also get expertise and guidance to address the three important issues necessary for every successful framing project – see below for more.

Experience tells us that three questions must be addressed when considering a picture frame for your art.

1. What is your art?

Sounds simple enough, the question of ‘what is it?’. But it’s extremely important. That’s because understanding what your art consists of, it’s medium, condition, and potential value – whether monetary, personal, or both – will lead to important decisions about how to conserve and protect it, and what should be done with a picture frame to beautifully display it. You can expect help and expertise in assessing the type of art you have, it’s general age and condition, and whether to seek further information about its value.

2. How should it be protected?

Important differences in mounting, framing, and glazing choices can add to or detract from the life and value of your art, preventing damage and yellowing over time. Sometimes artwork needs added care and attention such as cleaning, mold/mildew prevention, or retouch/repair. Whether simple, or complex, we adhere to the same conservation and museum-quality standards, and always have your best interests in mind when it comes to cost:

• Certified, 100% acid-free mounting materials such as 100% cotton rag boards
• Care and consistency in proper mounting: when or when NOT to use conservation-grade adhesives, needle & thread, linen or mulberry tapes, spacers, dry-mount or hinged fabrication techniques and much more.
• Consideration in glazing materials such as the use and grade of glass or plexiglass for UV or moisture protection to achieve longevity, value, and beauty at the most appropriate cost.
• Best practices and deliberate processes for cleaning and restoration of oil paintings, works on paper, and other art.
• High-quality custom frames for any size that are hand-fabricated to last for many years, and that protect the art within them.

3. How will it best be displayed?

Displaying your art in a beautiful custom picture frame is the icing on the cake. It’s where the fun is, and it’s why the majority of our patrons first visit our Claremont, NH shop. You can expect over one thousand frame samples, hundreds of mat colors, and expert craftsmanship to pull them all together. From the humble black and white, to more complex shadow-box frame and floater frame designs, period-specific framing for authenticity, custom stains, finishes, fabrication and more, you can expect personal help selecting a frame and design that’s just right for your art, and your budget.

In helping you with your display decisions, we take into account the three aspects of custom framework: Size, Color, and Design.

Size – Your art will look best when the size and width of the frame balances with sizes and perspectives of elements in your art. We’ll help you find just the right balance.

Color – Complimentary choices in mat and frame colors should make your art the main attraction, not secondary to the picture frame. Color selections are part of what make that possible. You can expect guidance when it comes to color – like contrast and harmony for example – the two ways to use color in any design project. Contrast is based on difference. Complementary colors, such as red and green, have nothing in common and produce lively, attention-getting contrast. Harmony is based on likeness. Colors such as red and orange are harmonious and result in a pleasing blend. Your art will have its own contrasts and harmonies. We’ll help you find them.

Design – The design of custom picture frames affects the experience of viewing your art, helping you see the whole picture first rather than more frame or mat than art. This makes the artwork the focus, and more powerful. It’s a tool to help direct attention back into the artwork, and helps viewers immerse themselves in it. A frame can even add value to the art – particularly high-quality and authentic period frames. You can expect help with a picture frame and design that best fits your art, your style, and of course, your budget.