Custom Framing
There is a difference between custom framing and bespoke framing. Bespoke framing is like bespoke tailoring, made to measure using the fabric the tailor/framer offers.
Custom framing is permanently altering the materials, re-machining, cutting down or using materials other than lengths of moulding.
Re-machining is the most common, simple but can be highly effective. The addition of detailing on the sight edge will change the nature of a moulding. ‘How’ will depend on the detail. It might be a decorative moulding which reduces the scale of the moulding, or an architectural detail such as a deep scotia which can strengthen the sight edge. Detailing can also be used on the back edge of the frame which has a more subtle effect.
The cutting down of existing moulding can produce a wide range of effects. I once used a reverse moulding upside-down as a float frame and the “front” of the frame curved in a gentle ogee from the flat plane of the picture to the wall. The client was delighted with it. The permanent alteration was at the inner back which nobody saw, but was essential to create a secure bed for the canvas. Sadly I have no photograph of that one.
The oil of Jugs and William Wilkins’ atmospheric pointillist picture of Venice across the lagoon were framed using no framing materials at all. Whether they are technically frames I don’t know. I think of them as surrounds, subordinate to the images.
The Jugs hung in the workshop for a time before it could be collected and a number of people commented on the picture but nobody mentioned the frame. That I regard as a great compliment.
By definition, there is no limit to what might be appropriate for any given image. I enjoy the challenge of custom framing and if I can keep it looking simple, keeping the detail to the subtleties which tilt the appearance in one direction or another, so much the better.
