Where do old frames go to die?

We frequently re-frame items for clients that were already framed at one time.  Sometimes the original frame is damaged, outdated, or they simply no longer like the look of it in their space which is why they bring it to us to replace.  In any case, we always make it habit to ask if they'd like their old frame back.  Once in awhile, someone will want to use it on a different piece of art, or if it's decorative enough, they'll have a mirror cut to fit it.  More often than not, they'll ask us to dispose of it.

 A client asked me what we did with old frames.  This was not the first time I've been asked that question.  Do we resell them?  The answer is: no.  Because we only do custom framing, we simply have no use for trying to sell clients old frames.  Besides, it would be unethical to do so, especially if they were not made by us in the first place.   Still, many of the frames that come to us are in decent condition and could potentially be of value to somebody, so we donate them. 

Chelsea Frames has always made an effort to help out various local charities and non-profits whenever we can.  Many of these charities host art auctions to fundraise.  While artists are usually willing to donate artworks to these organizations, the problem they often run into is the issue of framing.  Whose responsibility should it be, the artist's or the organization's?  To help solve this problem, a previous owner of Chelsea Frames decided that donating these leftover frames would be a excellent way to reduce waste and help a friend in need.  Not only do we donate clients unwanted frames, but we also donate several of our "oops" frames.  Frames built by mistake, wrong size, or slightly damaged frames fall into this category.

Just recently, Chelsea Frames donated frames to the following events:

• ACRIA's annual Unframed event raising money for AIDS research

• Goods for Good gala promoting physical, emotional and educational growth of thousands of children, primarily in Malawi

• Housing Works' Design on a Dime helping homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with and affected by HIV/AIDS

• Creative Time's annual benefit supporting artists and commissioning projects in New York and around the globe

Other frames that might have slightly more significant wear, or are too specific or ornate will get donated to places like the Angel Street Thrift Store.  Just about every frame will be donated in some way with two exceptions: frames that are beyond reasonable repair, or if they harbor bugs/mold.

A broader listing of organizations we support can be found on our website.  If you have any questions about donating frames of your own, email us at info@chelseaframes.com.

Like Magic, Like New

One of the many services we offer here at Chelsea Frames is art conservation, or restoration. In this industry, I've seen my fair share of damaged artwork and it is always heart-wrenching.  I always think about how much work had gone into the piece and wonder if the artist ever worried that this could potentially happen. 

A lot of factors can contribute to soiling and damage of artwork that most people never think of.  Fading caused from light sources, burns and halos from highly acidic materials that are in contact with the art (like cardboard and masking tape), and even humidity and air pollution (like cigarette smoke).  It's because of these reasons that we only offer UV glazing, acid free materials, and conservation grade framing.   

Fortunately, we work with some really great conservators who know how to work magic.  I call it magic because I have seen them do some really amazing things with artwork.  Just take a look at these incredible before and after photos of a recently restored painting.  This piece had accumulated a layer of grime and endured some water damage.  We learned that this piece had been hung in a house that was very close to a body of water, which may have been what caused it. 

A lot of work went into making several subtle changes to create a huge difference in the overall appearance of the painting.  For starters, notice the difference in color of the shawl, especially the bright pink flower in the lower right-hand side of the restored piece.  The whites appear much brighter and you can even now see the rosey color in her cheeks.  This was primarily a result of the grime removal. Many details are now more visible, like the gentle waves in her hair. 

There were also paint losses that were filled in and repaired.  See the little white spot at the very bottom of the first photo, just a little right of the center.

Finally, take a look at the drastic reduction of the wrinkle in the top right corner.  Further work could have been done to eliminate it entirely, but this would have involved removing the painting from it's stretcher and several more hours of labor which was not originally budgeted for in this particular case. 

This is just one of the many things that have come through the shop for repair.  If you have something that you are considering having restored, bring it to Chelsea Frames for a free quote and consultation.   

Framer Spotlight: Debra Kowalski

There are plenty of good reasons to come to Chelsea Frames, and one of them certainly is Deb. 

I remember the first day she came to Chelsea Frames looking for a place to plant her artistic feet in this great big city.  At the time, I was merely a sales manager here, but the minute she walked out the door I immediately took the owner aside and said, "I really think you should offer her a position."  That was a gutsy move for me, considering I had no authority over hiring and firing procedures, but I knew she was a perfect fit for this company.



Deb (left) and I at the sales counter

 You see, Deb and I go way back.  Even though I hadn't expected to see her that day, she and I first met a few years prior while working at a big box store in Albany, New York.  We had both been hired within a week of each other, and while we worked in different departments, we were both art students (she at St. Rose, and I at UAlbany) and became fast friends.  Eventually, we graduated and went our separate ways.  I went on to work for another frame shop in Syracuse before relocating down to the city.  She had briefly held a teaching position and decided it was time to make a career change.  It had been a few years since we last saw each other or kept in touch, so it was fate that brought her to Chelsea Frames that day.

Deb's keen sense of style is why we love her.  That and her passion for everything she does. In fact, I admire her approach to framing so much she's designed many frames for pieces in my personal art collection.

I asked Deb some questions about what makes her tick, and what inspires her.  

Q: Tell us what your role is at Chelsea Frames.

A: As the senior sales associate at Chelsea Frames I handle many aspects of client relations and sales. Chelsea Frames assists a wide array of clients ranging from galleries to the general public as well as architects, interior and set designers, artists and various organizations to name a few. My role is to provide our clients with custom framing options that will protect and preserve their treasures for the long-term.

I often collaborate with our fitters and on-site wood shop to develop special orders as well as with our business manager, Andy, to coordinate deliveries, pick-ups and invoices. Jaclyn and I determine which new frames will be added to our collection and we also collaborate with our off-site conservators and mounting experts to provide our clients with opportunities to have their works professionally cleaned, repaired, mounted or linen-backed.

Q: Describe your framing style.

A: I consider my framing style to be classic, contemporary gallery style. I don’t think you can go ever wrong with simple, clean design however I always take into consideration the aesthetic preferences of our clients to achieve a design that unifies their personal style with the art object.

Q: What are your inspirations?



A: So many things inspire me...the unpredictability of this incredible city for one! Our friendly neighbors, Billy’s Bakery, our fabulous staff, and of course our mascot Kiwi. In framing it is often the artwork and the person who owns it that first inspires me and sparks a vision for the frame design. I often try to consider the history of the object that is being framed and to choose a frame design, which will incorporate some aspect of that in a contemporary way. It is especially inspiring (and fun) if the client is excited about what they are framing!

Q: Besides framing what are your other interests/hobbies?

A: It is rare that I am without a passion for something in my life. Since the fall of 2009 I have been enrolled in a master’s program at the Fashion Institute of Technology called Art Market: Principles & Practices. This program has broadened my understanding of the art market and the art world more than I ever imagined. I have taken classes in gallery management, appraisal, art business, marketing, art law, the history of contemporary art and the New York art world. This past November, my classmates and I organized Collect + Art + Delete, a panel discussion which focused on e-commerce and the art market. We are currently planning a group exhibition for the end of the spring term.

Q: Pick three of your favorite frames and explain why they are your favorite.

A: VT 120 (Chelsea Frames' house moulding)

This is one of my favorites from our collection of house frames. It’s considered a gallery style frame characterized by a thin face and a deep back. It looks great on works up to 11x14 in size and is a clean, contemporary profile. This is something your can frame almost everything in. It comes in several larger sizes and finishes and can be milled from walnut, maple, ash or cherry wood.

Skull Frames from DM DZigns Collection by Direct Moulding

To say I have an affinity for the somewhat edgy would be an understatement. So, when Jaclyn told me that Chelsea Frames was going to carry this line, I cheered. After finding out that a frame from this collection was sold before it even had a space on our wall, I did a little victory dance. Exciting!

Framing recommendation: Large skull and crossbones frame paired with our smoky mirror!

San Marcos Frames has an impressive line of high-end, hand carved frames. Manufactured in Columbia and made entirely of tropical cedar hardwood, these frames are absolutely stunning when fit with a mirror but can also be used for other framing projects. The more I learn about the process which goes into creating these frames the more I consider the frames themselves to be a work of art!

Q: What is the most interesting thing you’ve framed?

A: This summer will mark my fifth year at Chelsea Frames so I have seen quite a few interesting things pass though our doors! There is not possibly one thing that I could choose as my favorite but just to name a few, there have been works by street artists, props for movies, Brazilian headdresses with gorgeous feathers, Russian icons, works from private collections, action figures and a wheat-pasted Darth Vader helmet.