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Drop by today and look at our selection of fine, hand-finished portrait frames.
The most cherished possessions in many families in Raleigh, North Carolina are portraits commissioned by artists both locally and nationally. The process of choosing the artist and style can be daunting. However, there are brokers who can help with the process. If you are considering a commissioned portrait, just give us a call or drop by and look at the promotional material that we can show you.
Once you have chosen a broker and the artist, you can begin planning for the proper frame. Portrait frames are not just another decorative element. Since the frame will be the vehicle to carry the portrait into the future, probably for many generations to come, it should be a carefully considered. A hand-finished, closed-corner frame is the best option. Yes, this is a higher-priced option, but when you amortize a fine frame over many lifetimes, you can see it is a worthwhile investment.
If you have a portrait completed or near completion, drop by and look at our selection of fine, hand-finished portrait frames by vendors who create one-of-a-kind masterpieces that will enhance your portraits and make sure they are beautiful today and will still be beautiful for the ages.
Words of advice for prospective portrait frames:
- Never choose a frame for where it will hang today. Remember you are choosing a frame that will last generations. It will hang in many rooms and many homes, and if framed properly, will always be proudly displayed.
- Most of the frame profiles that we will show you are the same designs that have been around for hundreds of years. The French Kings Louis III, XIV and XV as well as Regence, Italian and Florentine are just some of the styles we have to offer. We have a wealth of knowledge to share with you.
- Should the portrait artist offer to frame the portrait for you, it might not be the best option. Remember, artists are not framers and won’t have a good selection of portrait frames. Also, they might choose a portrait size that is a standard size that can be bought off the shelf, which is never a good idea. Standard-size frames are mass-produced and not of good quality, and therefore won’t last.
- Gold leaf or metal leaf? Gold leaf at 22 karat is nearly pure gold and most of the surface of the frame will be finished with it. Gold is forever (just like diamonds) and will retain its brilliance through eternity (think King Tut). Metal leaf, on the other hand, has no gold content. It looks gold and can have a reasonably bright finish, but again, no gold content. Although it will take quite some time, the metal leaf will begin to darken, so keep that in mind when making a decision. Gold will add about 25% to 30% to the total.
One last thought– it will never cost less to frame a portrait properly than it does today! So keep that in mind if you are thinking of using an inexpensive frame temporarily and getting a proper frame later.
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