I was recently asked to frame two modern Aboriginal paintings on board about 300 x 200 mm. They were slightly different sizes and out of square. The artists had also painted over the edge of the board. I decided that the best way to display them was Float Mounted in a Box Frame. This presented the whole painted area including the edges and enabled me to use identical size frames. They can now be displayed as a pair although the colour of each painting and its mount are very different.
I have finally got my workshop sorted out and ready for business. Looks great with newly painted walls and floor. I have also found a home for my sixteen-foot long shop sign!
With the help of a local cabinetmaker, I have got the sign up with the glass in position.
The sign is made of one piece of hardwood 16 feet long by 2 feet tall. The lettering is cut into the wood in classic roman style and gilded with gold leaf. The black glass has clear glass letters allowing the gilded wood to show through. The glass is 8mm thick and in 3 sections, 2 of which are over seven feet long.
In 1983, I was working for an ad agency group in Regent Street (central London) and would often walk to their flagship agency in Covent Garden. I would pass a boarded up shop that still had its early 20th century front including the glass sign across the top. One-day builders had moved in and were dismantling the shop. A quick word and a cash exchange secured the sign. The sign grew in length as it came down to pavement level! How could I move it and get it home? Help!
One of the agency’s art directors, Haydn Morris, came to the rescue and we carried the 16-foot (5 metre) sign across central London. Eric Sykes’ The Plank comes to mind as we make our way through the narrow streets of Soho and try to cross Regent St with one of us at each end of ‘the plank’. Having got back to the agency the only place we could put the sign was in reception, needless to say I didn’t work there much longer!
I recently attended Mark L’Argent’s workshop on cut lettering. We designed and cut-out a template from card and then used this to emboss a white sheet of thin card. The result was beautiful, if rather subtle and impossible to photograph.
I mounted and framed my template and was very pleased with the result.
I’ve always been interested in the framing of artwork and objects, but often disappointed in the result. So when I came across some frame making tools in my late father’s workshop, it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.
I’m a member of the Fine Art Trade Guild and am working towards their Guild Commended Framer (GCF) qualification. I have worked with a number of GCF framers, learning the basics and studying the specialist treatments.
I plan to use my design skills to create bespoke frames for pictures, textiles, collector’s items and anything else. I enjoy a challenge, so am pleased to help with Mock-ups, presentations, displays and promotional material.
I’m also using my lettering and calligraphy skills to create personalised items and gifts.
I’m still offering creative services in the form of Typography, Artwork, and Production Project Management. Button badges and object photography are also available.