CASE STUDIES
Large Cashmere Throw with Leather Bias Binding
A customer reached out to us with a large cashmere throw she wanted framed, having been turned down by several picture framers. Due to its size, traditional framing methods wouldn't work, so we had to develop a new technique. First, we washed and ironed a large piece of thick 100% cotton canvas (naturally acid free) and stretched it like a canvas on bars. Using a very fine fishing line-like thread, we stitched the throw onto the cotton canvas through its binding stitch holes. Finally, we fitted the canvas into the chosen frame with a fillet and 4.4mm UV glass, ensuring a beautiful and protective display.
Silk Batik
A regular customer asked if it would be possible to frame a silk batik measuring 2.5m x 1.2m. I had to research the best method and find a suitable alternative to glass, as glass would be too heavy at the necessary thickness of 4mm. I found a supplier of 3mm UV cast acrylic, perfect for this frame and just large enough. However, the batik was trapeze-shaped rather than squared, and the stretcher bars were insufficient since I needed an extra 5-10cm clearance around the image to stitch, making the overall size too large for standard 2.4m bars. We used 2x4's to create a temporary frame for the canvas. After stretching the batik, we re-stretched and pinned it onto 6mm marine plywood covered with mountboard to protect both the canvas and the batik. To accommodate the irregular shape, we painted the visible parts of the canvas black, minimizing the noticeable discrepancy. The frame included a black and gold-leaf gilded fillet, securing the cast acrylic first. The plywood, positioned on the back of the frame, was pinned and taped as usual. Finally, we used mirror plates to secure the frame to the wall.
L' Epopee D' Hermes Detail Scarf
This silk scarf is the second one we have done for this customer. Using a similar method as the cashmere throw, we stitched the scarf onto a cotton canvas, which is naturally acid free. The canvas was then removed from the bars and re-stretched it over a marine plywood board before being framed. As requested by the customer, we used a double fillet, as the customer wanted the fillet to be visible and not hidden under the rebate of the frame. The fillet was painted the same blue shade as the frame prior to being gilded with silver leaf, solid on the top and flecked on the sides. The solid ash frame was painted dark blue, matching the darkest blue on the scarf's pattern.
Horse Show Display
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Sash and rosettes with multiple apertures for magazine articles and photos.
Planet Of The Apes
This was an interesting item of clothing, made especially for the original film Planet of the Apes. We used 'invisible' string threaded through the existing thread holes to hold this heavily-padded jacket in place
WWI Commemorative Tower of London Poppies
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Handmade ceramic poppies, all varying in depth and requiring different techniques
Wedding Objects
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These 2 examples of wedding memorabilia are stitched onto hessian backing.
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Bread
We framed Bread!...Yes actual bread. Many years ago a customer asked us to frame bread, which was baked by their lovely neighbour who wrote each new child's name on the crust every time they had a baby. Obviously, We immediately started a conversation about managing the customers expectations about longevity. However, with this worry in mind we ran around the town acquiring silica gel to place into an old kodak film case (Yes that long ago!). We then scraped as much of the core's out from loaf as possible. Placing the crusts in a deep box placed onto of foam core plinths. This was then silicon sealed into a frame to prevent moisture from entering the box area.
We were amazed when 10 years late the customer returned to add a final piece to the frame, to find that there was no mould at all inside.
The Charge of the Light Brigade
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This original scabbard from The Charge of the Light Brigade, is attached by 'invisible' thread to felt-covered board. The chain and buckle hang naturally although they are stitched in place.
Shirt Framing
Shirts will vary in length, width and depth and we build individual boxes to fit. The shirt is sewn on to acid-neutral mountboard which we can then place into either a foamboard box lined with complementary mountboard and a shadow mount or use an extra deep fillet and frame (see swimming costume pic below).
Extra apertures can be added for photos, text, medals, etc.
We have a number of high profile athletes here in Bath and often have the challenge of framing some more unusual items.
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This often requires us to adapt our processes in order to accommodate these differences, e.g. extra stretchy material means a different approach to presentation.
Cigarette Cards
We often get collections of cigarette or other trading cards bought into us for framing. For this we use a technique with glass back and front so that the both sides of the cards can be viewed at a later stage.
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We use mounts back and front to lift the glass away from the cards to stop the glass for interacting with the images or words. The cards are placed in the mounts with water reversible archival tape.
We add glass to the back of the frame so that the back of the cards can be read when removed from the wall.
This is then pneumatically pinned in and silicon bead is used to seal the glass into the frame, finished with framing tape and string and is ready to hang.
We also offer this beading alternative frame. Essentially the same technique but it is finished with a wooden bead instead of the silicon and pneumatic pins.
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Medals
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Other items such as cap badges or identifying tags can easily be added.
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We are also happy to source ribbons for medals that may have been lost or need to be replaced due to bad condition.
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Medal display frames are a great way to display family history and remember those that have given so much for us.
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We frame a large number of medals and usually place them on suede mount boards with apertures for a photo, a short biography and the persons name, rank and service number.
