Art Frames Conservation

Frames conservators who work in this studio preserve and restore frames for display. All frames receive a technical examination before going on loan or on exhibit to assess surface condition, structural integrity and general appearance. The most common treatments include replicating missing decorative elements, and cleaning, gilding, and toning frame surfaces. Conservators in this studio are also responsible for constructing new frames when current frames are considered to be historically inaccurate or can no longer be used.

[@americanartmuseum]

Thank you for your comments! I asked our frames conservator and he said that yes, the use of 'like' materials is always preferred, but in this specific example he opted to use a special dental plaster because it allowed for more intense 'double gilding' and because time was an issue. He often uses compo when designing 19th century frames, or when treating existing composition frames. He also often uses gesso paste, which can be cast and carved.

[@WadeMcLure]

Wow, cool... Most people only think of the art being restored. Very interesting to see the frames restored too! I guess they are art in their own right...

[@goldadair]

nice job on the professional approach, this guy is a pro.

[@scottoconnor]

Enjoyed seeing the process of this frame being restored. Sometimes when I'm at a museum I find myself looking at the frames just as much as the paintings. Many times they seem more impressive than the paintings inside them. I thought the gilding part was the most interesting. Didn't know much about it before watching this or why frames are gilded in the first place. It makes sense that they maximize the light and illuminate the painting but I guess its something I never thought about before.

[@freedomseaker1]

I have a few gilded frames from the Victorian era that need some restoration, I collect Victorian antiques and have for many years, My favorite oil painting is one done by Reginald Baxter of a grey hound, The painting its self is huge measuring four foot high by five foot wide and signed by the artist, I have seen copy's of my painting on ebay, But I have the original and would love to have it professionally cleaned. The man in the video makes it look so easy, I wish I knew how to do it myself....lol

[@paulp5656]

Beautiful work

[@andrea3dogs]

Thank you! I have a beautiful gilded antique frame (&painting) that has started to come apart. I don’t want a new frame. I want to conserve the one originally on the painting.

[@PTYTPA]

EXCELLENT WORK / FINISHED!!! PRECIOUS PIECE!!!

[@gwSocialmedia99]

Fantastic work.

[@mellow5123]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@h4rperCH]

Thank you for this post. So helpful.

[@ericdemilo2497]

That gentleman is really talented. 🤗🤗🤗

[@maximhollandnederlandthene7640]

Wonderful job 🤗

[@user-nf5yd4kc9b]

beautiful photo frame what style? what is the name?

[@filipaperris6248]

Just Wonderful, thank you.

[@lschiz-photography1765]

I enjoy watching masters at work!
I’m learning and in early stages of this trade. If I may ask?
What might be his, or anyone’s recommendation for a cleaning solution on water guided gold?
Thank you

[@zazu32]

amazing work

[@Olekdon]

Wonderful !

[@Makeacolor]

that was fantastic!

[@andrewhildner]

Who was the frames craftsperson? Does anyone know? Does anyone care?

[@HelenAMyers]

It’s in the Frame....