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  Sometimes the original frame is damaged, outdated, or they simply no longer like the look of it in their space which is why they bring it to us to replace.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.

Understanding the Value of Custom Framing

Somebody asked me how someone my age came to own this business. She found it unusual that a person would grow up dreaming of owning a picture framing studio.  Its true that it didn't happen that way for me. Not that the industry isn't glamorous (those of you who know me know that it certainly can be), but that a lot of trade businesses, like framing, are usually handed down by family or as a hobby business for retirees. Custom framing, I think, is something that many people of younger generations (like my generation) understand less and less. 

One of the most common objections I face when dealing with custom framing clients is cost.  Many people have a difficult time wrapping their heads around the idea that "four sticks of wood" can cost anywhere from a hundred to several thousand dollars when they can go to Bed Bath & Beyond and pick up a photo frame for mere dollars.  The other common objection is learning that the process usually takes two weeks, but can sometimes be up to 6-8 weeks.  There's a good explanation for all of this...

1. You're getting a hand crafted product made by skilled artisans. Think about having a piece of furniture custom made, or having customizations done on your car.  Wouldn't you also expect there to be a premium?  I contemplated this recently when I considered having some chairs professionally re-upholstered.  The initial price shocked me, but after considering the amount of work and skill that the job required, I quickly understood.  After all, that's why I brought it to them instead of attempting to do it myself.

If you've read the previous post, then you'll know that a lot goes into milling and manufacturing that wood to make it into frame.  We carry mouldings that come from all over the world--from gilded in France, to hand carved in South America.  We also carry a line of frames that are made right here in our shop.  Each "house frame" is made of solid hardwood and is carefully joined, sanded and stained to perfection--all by hand.  The signature technique we use has been passed down from owner to owner in the 25 years we've been in business.

Aside from moulding, we cut all of our mats and glazing in house.  All of the mounting is done by hand.  The artwork never leaves the premises unless otherwise specified. 

Each frame is built for a specific piece of art, and every detail is customized.  There is no "standard" in our shop.   

2. You're getting expert design advice.  The majority of our staff members have some sort of artistic background, and all of them have experience in framing.  If you want our opinion, we'll be happy to offer it to you.  Any member of our design team will be able to help you select framing that fits your both your aesthetic and budget while keeping in mind the best presentation for the art.  We always like a challenge and will always try something new.  We've framed everything from works on paper to beach balls (fully inflated, of course), from oil paintings to undergarments (seriously).  It's rare that you'll get a "we can't do that" from us.  And the best part is, the advice is always free.

3. Your investment will be protected.  UV glazing and acid free materials come standard in our frame packages.  In fact, it's the only option we provide.  We pride ourselves on offering the best quality materials available to our clients.  There's nothing worse than having to explain to a client that their precious items had been damaged because their previous framer did not take the same precautions.  For this purpose we also offer restoration services, and the consultation is free. 


Here's a different thought on the subject: Another framer told me that they felt business had been suffering because this younger generation is more tech savvy and rely more and more on the internet as a purchasing tool.  As someone who conquered their Christmas shopping entirely online, I understand the truth behind this.  They're building businesses in their pajamas in the comfort of their own home. Just a few weeks ago I attended a symposium about the convenience and issues with buying art online.  I've done it myself.  I haven't figured out how to incorporate custom framing services that can be conducted efficiently online, but I'm working on it.

As coincidence would have it, just as I was wrapping up this post, a gentlemen passed by the shop with two young girls (I assume his daughters).  They couldn't have been more than eight years old.  He didn't want anything framed, but the showroom of samples had caught the girls attention from the street. He just wanted the opportunity to tell his daughters what we do in here.

Turning Wood into Gold (frames)



Step one



I recently had the opportunity to take a few days away from the shop to visit a former business partner of mine in the Netherlands.  The trip was mostly for the pleasure of seeing him and his partner in their fabulous house (castle), but we peppered in a little bit of business to make the trip appear more plausible (or so I could at least write some of it off as a business expense).  Little did I know that it was going to be quite the educational experience in a trade that I considered myself an expert in: framing.



Step Three

 Chelsea Frames chops and finishes a line of our own mouldings (a topic for a later discussion), but we also carry several other "brands" of frames.   Larson Juhl is arguably one of the bigger, if not the biggest, picture framing manufacturer and distributor in the United States.  While our own line of frames primarily consists of basic hardwood profiles and finishes, their lines are much broader and include golds, silvers, laminates and a host of other finishes and profiles.



Step Three

 I had always wanted to see how others worked their magic, especially Larson Juhl. We've had a longstanding relationship with them, one that predates my existence at Chelsea Frames.  A few weeks before I left town I had the pleasure of visiting their New Jersey distribution branch which services New York City and it's surrounding areas.  I was impressed with their process of supplying moulding to our company so that we could sell it.  This visit was only scratching the surface.



After stepping off the plane, enduring a few train delays, and a quick nap, I set out to visit Larson Juhl's Boxtel facility, which operated in a similar manner as New Jersey's.  In fact, it was almost hard to tell that I was in a foreign country because it looked almost exactly the same.



Step Four

Somehow, when my framing career was budding, I adopted the term "commercial moulding" which I often used to refer to moulding that was manufactured or machine-made.  I had never really thought how some of these processes were done, but I assumed that a stick of wood was probably stuck into some sort of contraption and came out the other end a nice shiny finished length of moulding.  That is, until I took a trip to Larson Juhl's Senelar facility a few days later, located in Hazebrouck, France.  Then I saw how frames were really made.



Step Five

Because of confidentiality and trade secrets, I'm not sure I can delve into the specific details, but the process astounded me.  Because of the extensive process, I was aware that the technique of water-guilding is done primarily on individual custom made closed-corner frames.  Here, they were mass-producing moulding mostly by hand, using these same water-guilding methods the old master frame makers used. Everything down to the dust in the little crevices was hand applied.  This is not to say that all mass-produced mouldings are hand-made, but a chunk of Larson Juhl's are.  So, when considering the cost of custom framing, this experience immediately comes to mind.

The finshed product

These are a few of the steps they took:
1. The wood is milled to a specific profile by passing through a series of knives.

2. The milled stick gets a gesso applied to it. Gesso is a hard white plaster compound that is used as a base for gilding.

3. Bole (red clay) and ornaments are then applied to the stick.

4. Individual sheets of gold leaf are carefully laid down on the stick and burnsished by hand. 

5. A wax finish is applied to seal in the frame. This helps to mute the gold finish making it appear less shiny.

6. Unique finishing touches are applied, depending on the style of frame.

You also can view a video of the water-guilding technique on C&J Frame's website (a manufacturer of closed-corner frames) or here.

This industry continues to teach me new things everyday.  The intention of this blog are to serve this purpose--to educate, inform, and maybe even show off our talents to others the fine art of custom framing.  As young professional who is still fairly new to this business, I want to share with you the things I've learned and continue to discover along the way.