Any wisdom appreciated!

[Machiners2]

Hi
I’m just starting out, framing from my workshop at home for family and friends, and my husband who is an artist. I would really like to be able to do frames something like the photos I’ve attached, but have no idea where to learn. Have done the basic training and am now honing my skills to our requirements.. We have made painted and waxed frames with F&B paint but would like to progress. Any pointers or thoughts/advice? Happy to travel to receive tuition.. Thanks so much
Candida

[Framemaker Richard]

Hello Candida,

I started down the hand finishing route because of seeing similar frames in the galleries in my home village (Broadway), wondering how they were made...

Of course there are many methods to get something similar looking, but the really good quality ones need to be made with gesso (calcium carbonate and glue NOT artist gesso), then clay bole on the areas being gilded, then water gilding with or without burnishing, then the painted sections are done with numerous colour washes and slightly different methods from maker to maker...

If you search through my old blog, you will find numerous images showing the different stages... sorry some photos are no longer available, but I just had a quick look and here are a few links to posts that show stages...

http://richard-framemaker.blogspot.co.u ... frame.html

http://richard-framemaker.blogspot.co.u ... r-now.html

http://richard-framemaker.blogspot.co.u ... frame.html

http://richard-framemaker.blogspot.co.u ... stage.html

http://richard-framemaker.blogspot.co.u ... ished.html

The first frame you posted an image of looks like it might be made (I could be totally wrong!) by Calmar framing in Devon, they have a very nice colourwash effect that I always liked. The second frame is to my eye trying to get the effect but at reduced cost, with oil gilding in metal leaf and simple paint effect.

Probably my favourite maker of this style of frames is Christina Leder in London.

I very much doubt you will be able to find someone who teaches exactly how to make these frames, is a case of teaching your self, depends how close you want to get to the really good examples.. it probably took me 3 or 4 years to get to a stage where I was doing finishes on frames that I was happy with, and that were half decent!

A few images of different stages...

[vintage frames]

How refreshing to hear from someone with the curiosity to learn. Framemaker is your best source of inspiration for these frames. Hard to beat his expertise and experience.
If I was to give any advice, I'd say buy your bare wood mouldings from Rose and Hollis and then learn how to make gilder's gesso. Get the base right and everything else will follow.
Beware of any "short-cuts", almost all are cul-de-sacs. When things go wrong - they will - come back and there is plenty of help on this forum.

[Not your average framer]

Hi Candida,

It's always nice to hear that someone not only wants to learn hand finished framing, but also even better when they want to do it to the highest standards. Of course gesso finishes with gold leafing and all those lovely traditional ways of doing things are the real thing and the other methods using various emulsion paints and waxes are never quite as good as the real thing.

It's not often we see those who from the start out want to good for the real thing, but it's well worth learning how to do frames to the ultimate standard. I hope that you are able to stick with this a go all the way. Once you have mastered it, you will never lack for customers. A friend of mine "Exeter framer" who has now retired, decided to learn gesso and gold leaf finishes and got to the stage where she was getting regular repeat orders for her gesso and gold leaf frames in only about a year or two, so don't let your early work put you off. It is worth sticking with it.

[Machiners2]

A big thank you to you for your most helpful and encouraging replies. It certainly gives me some pointers, especially the great photos of the processes and links to other photos etc. We shall enjoy forming our own style and look and I’m sure along the way will need more help, but for the moment I think we’ve got enough to go on to get started.
On another note, I just wanted to say how I am so enjoying reading the forum and have picked up so many helpful tips, particularly the left fence Morso tweak! And tips on bettering my mitres and mounts when they aren’t perfect (often!)
Thanks again
Candida