The role that frames play
‘Frames are the finishing touch of a piece of art but can also greatly devalue the piece’.
Sometimes you come across a wonderful artwork with a damaged frame.
To me, these marks of aging are perfectly fine and acceptable, to some degree that is. I like to know what I am looking at namely: “ an old print in a original old frame”. The piece has seen some things, been around and took some damage along the way and that is ok with me. I would even say it adds to the piece. Most antique lovers would agree with me that some wear and tear actually is a part of the charm and beauty of an antique item.
However I have noticed that damaged frames dramatically devalue a piece of art. Frames are intended to serve as a window that you look through, they separate the artwork from the rest of the environment, so your eyes can focus on the work of art. Next to that, they also offer protection to the art piece, especially when glass is used. So when the frame is damaged, sharp visual lines are broken, and all these complimenting effects mentioned above, are compromised.
People tend to put these artworks away, since they find that these artworks are no longer suitable to put up on the wall. Maybe they will place them somewhere in the attic or cellar, and next you know, the glass gets broken and atmospheric effects have their way with the paper, leaving the artwork aged and damaged beyond its time. A shame, and moreover a reason to keep original frames in tact.This is why, I will clean up a frame when I have the chance. With some wood putty, sand paper and a collection of golden hues you can come a long way in restoring that visual line. When big chunks of a frame are missing, ornamental pieces broke off, and we are looking at a costly item, it is best to have the frame professionally restored.
I have tried to repair a few frames now and then with the help of handmade molds. This process is not that hard but has to be done precisely. YouTube has some excellent tutorials on how to do that. When looking at a golden, guided frame you obviously need valuable gold leaf and guilding skills.
An other option is to look out for a new frame for the piece.
An option that I also frequently use. A beautiful example is this 1930’s painting by Annie van de Ruit that was framed in a plastic rococo style frame some time in the nineteen sixties.
Framing this great painting in a new modern and simple frame makes this impressionist piece also suitable for a younger public and a more modern style. I usually do not stray too far from the original concept, but in some cases the frame is just wrong.