FRAMERS 101: SEVEN OF THE BEST

ART

FRAMERS 101: SEVEN OF THE BEST

If you’ve spent a bomb on a renovation or painting, it’s worth spending a little more to make sure it’s framed right.

October 16, 2017

A frame can often be as important as the picture it surrounds; yet in the quest to display our art, the frame is frequently overlooked. The specialists listed here go well beyond what you’ve come to expect from your average local framer. Here’s where serious collectors go, not to mention big name galleries, some of our best artists, and top designers too.

Oh, and the size of your frames doesn’t matter, but the color does according to leading Australian dealer, Olsen Gallery who shares what’s on the radar in frames right now. Floating Frames is about freshness and keeping it modern. Show Edges Wonderfully rough edges will instantly up your style credentials. It’s all about uniting the humble and high-end. Deep Box Frames Artwork set back from the glass continues to look fresh.

Timber is The New White Timber is a key trend in framing. Go for limed or oak finishes. It’s cool to mix natural with synthetic. Timber Shadow Boxes are still having a major moment. One of the quickest, and most affordable, ways to lift an artwork. Forget fine gilded work, it’s looking dated.

Jim Crofts Studio

For serious art. Some of our best artists and designers head here- lots of Archibald entries pass through these doors first. Rod Denson (who now runs the business) specializes in graphics, paintings and photographs and is renowned for being good, quick and reliable. Olsen Gallery gets his frames here. They’re so busy they were reluctant to be in this story. 02 96999579, 180 Wyndhamn Street, Alexandria

Parkers Framing Works

The dealers favourite. Olsen Gallery’s go-to for bespoke framing as well as an exceptional range of every kind of moulding that should cover most of your needs. But it its not there, the custom service will cover it. Art Gallery of NSW’s choice, too. 02 96988591, www.parketartsupplies.com

Andrew Bassett Fine Framing

The expert framer, in business since 1988, specializes in quality fine art, photography, works on paper and much more. He has been framing art for top artists and dealers from Fred Williams to Tim Olsen, Rex Irwin, Martin Browne, Ray Hughes and Roslyn Oxley for years. Others clients include Damien Minton Gallery, Maunsell Wickes, Olsen Gallery, Ray Hughes Gallery, Savill Gallery, Stills, White Rabbit, Watters Gallery. 02 98104767

Fidoso Picture Framing

This is the place to head for all sorts of very good general, affordable framing work. Olsen Gallery is a regular. 02 95172057, 2A Nelson Street, Annadale, NSW, 2038

Graphic Art Mount

Mount your art on Perspex plinths, blocks, stands and cases to make it look important. This graphic company who do a lot of wqork for museums and galleries can make something simple look like something out of an art gallery. 02 95504232, 9 May Street, St Peters, NSW, 2044, www.graphicartmount.com.au

Colour Square

In business for more than 25 years, the company does a lot of work for major museums, galleries and private collections. Virtually anything is possible, including contemporary framing, to all kinds of display ideas using plinths, steel stands and Perspex box frames. Plus restoration service for frames. 03 94278453, www.coloursquare.com.au

United Measures

Ryan Ward, is a specialist framer who understands a frame should never overwhelm the piece it’s celebrating. He thinks of it more like a tailored suit for your art and design; something that adds to the whole. 0412837820, www.unitedmeasures.com

David Richardson

In business for more than 40 years, where our best galleries, decorators and private collectors use Richardson’s services including Edwina Collett Gallery who is a repeat client. www.davidrichardsonframing.com.au