Antique Frame Style Name

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Mathias
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Joined: Wed 01 Feb, 2023 4:51 pm
Location: USA
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Interests: Frame restoration

Antique Frame Style Name

Post by Mathias »

Is there a particular name for a frame that has multiple frames stacked inside each other?
(see attached image)

Also if you know, is that name country/region specific?
I know that in the US, the image in this frame is often called a Crayon Portrait, but in the UK, it may have another name.

Finally, any recommendations of good sources for learning about frame styles from around 1850-1920?

Thanks
073_FrameAndImage.jpg
vintage frames
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Re: Antique Frame Style Name

Post by vintage frames »

Hi Mathias
I would describe your frame as an American Neo-classical Victorian Artists or Dealers Frame, Parcel Gilt with Applied Ornament.

I can unpack all that by saying that the neo-classical bit refers of a contemporary frame of its period and which uses classical design elements on its structure.
This refers to the heavily detailed and gilded sections.
Parcel Gilt is an academic or rather posh way of describing a frame that has been partially gilded.

The ornament strips are made with composition moulding and are gilded with gold leaf.
You can see that by the bright underlying reflection from the leaf.
The gilding has been coloured with a varnish darkened with asphaltum which was quite the fashion in Victorian times.

The wood appears to be simple pine and that has been stained and varnished,
This frame is probably worth around £300 sterling over here. It would only see its value in the antique trade.

For frames of this period, it's difficult to point to any academic studies. However, The Frame Blog is an excellent source of online information and there are some willing experts on the Facebook Antique Picture Frames group.
There is also peterframer on instsa. You could PM him and he might know more.
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Mathias
Posts: 3
Joined: Wed 01 Feb, 2023 4:51 pm
Location: USA
Organisation: None
Interests: Frame restoration

Re: Antique Frame Style Name

Post by Mathias »

Thanks vintage, that info is most helpful!

Would you know do framers have a specific name for a frame that has multiple frames nested/stacked inside each other?

I was wondering since I have several like that where there are really four frames in one.
vintage frames
Posts: 1349
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Re: Antique Frame Style Name

Post by vintage frames »

In this country we would just refer to it as a frame with some stacked inserts.
I don't think it has a particular name or style.
Many frame makers today will use that method to create a very wide 'stacked frame' profile.
I won't say any more in case it attracts some unwelcome attention on this forum - and please excuse the 'in-joke'.
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prospero
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Re: Antique Frame Style Name

Post by prospero »

Large ornate frames in the past where generally had a carcass built from sections. It isn't practical or
desirable to mill a single billet of wood that may be six or more inches wide. Also a lot of saving in the weight
of the frame can be gained by leaving voids here and there. The construction methods used in old frames can be
quite ingenious.

This is one I made to replicate an old frame. It was about 5.5" wide and 4.5 " deep. I wouldn't relish mitring it if it were
all in one lump. :lol: Put a bit of judicious slicing from a few existing mouldings and a bit of stock pine PAR and it's
surprising what you can make.

giantframe002.jpg

giantframe001.jpg


** A lot of frame styles were named after artists who designed them to suit their works. The "Whistler" frame is a
good example. :wink:
Watch Out. There's A Humphrey About
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