This frame was made from sustainable wood, hand painted and 23ct gold leaf applied, for this picture. The portrait is believed to be of the 2nd Duke of Buckingham c.1720. (courtesy of Nick Cox at Period Portraits)
I make bespoke historically inspired frames, in the manner of the original. They are not created to deceive or as fakes, but a gentle nod to the antique, when a frame is absent. Other frames created are figments of my imagination, where I imagine both myself as the maker and patron equally, painting the frame around the “story” of their individual lives.
This is but one example, part of Pastiche no.7 – see further below for the rest and description
This pair of larger frames are copies of the original 17thC pair, which came from Sienna, Italy. I also made a pair in red. £650 each
Since childhood…a rather long time ago… I have been passionate about history, this has shown up in many ways, and for the past few years, I have imagined what could and does lie beneath the whitewash in our Churches, under the ceiling lathes and plaster of old manor houses.
Pastiche No.9 ‘Venetian China’ overall size 28 x 24″
“believed to be from the early years of the 18thC, found in Venice, where it belonged to a wealthy dealer in Chinese porcelain” £850 only 1 made
These frames I make are playful, reminiscent of past memories through time – they make great one off, interesting mirrors, which I can supply.
Tools of the trade – Artists Colour oil paint and 23.75ct real gold leaf
Small red & gold frame, the red being very dark.
Overall size 13 x 11″, with aged mirror (not shown) £195 Sold
Black (mine own mix) and gold on pine £350 Sold
Old ivory and gold with aged mirror…….13 x 11″ overall
£200 with antique style mirror – see below
Pastiche No.7 ‘Nature provides’ Overall size 39 x 30″ made in 2022
“this frame is dated 1636, which is around the time of the Great Tulip Fever in London. A country farmer of the ‘middling sort’, believed to have been farming by the the Thames at Barnes, had this frame made to commemorate the birth of his first born. He valued the land to provide for his family, rather than fanciful speculation prices of flowers..” £990 only 1 made
Frame made for an original drawing by Amanda Palma in 2022. (with thanks to New Art Gallery, Eastbourne) Unique frame
Vernon Holt Painter 