Retrofitting Frames: Antique Shop Finds
Sometimes an old frame is not suitable for artwork anymore and needs to be recycled. Then there are frames that still have life left, but they need some extra TLC to look their best. That’s where a dedicated and knowledgeable frame shop comes in!
Vintage gold ornate frame with burgundy velvet liner and inner textured gold frame. Note the damage: especially around the corners.
This lovely old frame was rescued from an antique mall to be used on a manuscript print from the 1600s. The velvet was in need of cleaning. The corners of the frame were showing gaps and missing parts of the finish. Finally, the interior gold textured frame was a little too much on the eye, and needed to be replaced with something more elegant.
Here you can see the gaps forming at the corners as well as the missing finish on the gold and black sides.
The framer began by covering the delicate velvet border with tape so as not to get it dirty as the frame was retouched.
Notice a part of the upper profile moulding is missing as well as a crack forming at the corner.
Although still not prefect, the retouches soften the look of damage immensely and lend a feeling of care and consideration to the framing presentation.
Next the framer filled all the gaps with specialty glue to provide extra stability. Then the finish was carefully retouched using paint and putty to replicate the previous colors and cover the damage.
The inner gold frame is removed carefully to allow a new fillet to be inserted.
The framer removed the inner textured frame to create a better style. This also allowed for a better final cleaning of the velvet liner as well.
A small gold fillet replaced the old gold inner frame, opening up the frame by a few more inches.
And finally the antique print could be installed with acid-free matting, backing, and Museum Optium Acrylic for a stunning no-glass look.
The finished frame, completely retouched and sporting a new fillet.
The end result is a gorgeous marriage of art and frame: each complimenting the other. Great care was taken to match the shade of gold on the new fillet to the old gold of the frame - making a nice transition for the eye. The upgrade of Optium Acrylic allows the viewer to see every minute detail in the tiny print.
Bellisima!