The Framers Forum

I’m going to repurpose this frame, but want to complete the missing bits.

I’m not sure what to call the corners as I search. Ousted corner isn’t getting many results. I’ve seen one custom framer call them florentine frames but I think that was their shop specific name. I’ve also seen crowned corner or key corner, but I have the suspicion that there is a more common name for the corner that will help my search for what the missing corner ornaments should be replaced with.

Which leads to my next question- what should I stick in those 4 holes?! I was thinking that a little brass rosette would suit - and perhaps they were once removed for polishing and not replaced?

The darker wood finials also bug me a bit. Perhaps the original frame color has bleached over time?

What do you think about gilding the finials and adding brass rosettes to make a more cohesive frame?

Another option would be to oil (or stain and oil) the frame to bring the finial and frame color closer together.

Such a quirky piece. I’ll post some photos of the back once it arrives. Hopefully today!

That's what we, in this country, call a Kent frame. It is named after the artist/architect William Kent.
The style is based on a Palladian architectural device where the corners are described as being 'offset'.
Your frame would be known as a looking-glass architrave frame with offset corners and pediments.

The holes in the four corners would have held some small rosettes. You can buy replacements for these from a company in the UK called Decowood.
You then have the option to either gild/stain or paint them to suit.
I'd be inclined to stain them dark to reflect the two little finials.

This is a rather nice frame. I wouldn't be inclined to stain it, just clean it up with a dry cloth. The finials were carved from a darker timber perhaps.

Thank you so much for the information! Maybe I’ll ask my partner to turn a few little dark wood “buttons” to put in the holes. Maybe mahogany or walnut would work.

I discovered that on this side of the channel these corners are known as Flemish corners. Going to dive back into my research.

Thank you again!!!

Just so you know how much I can talk rubbish, the description of those corners is called 'outset', not offset as I said earlier.

Outset - I also read ousted the first time I saw the word . And still thank you for your valuable information!

I’m going to follow your suggestion - simple dark wood knobs to blend with the finials.

So a good find for €17,35 including shipping? Assuming it arrives.

I have see similar frames in books described as 'Aschkar' frames, with corners formed the same way. But that
might refer to a a specific design.

Aschkar ..
Of course, I had to Google it.
No reference anywhere.
I even tried ChatGpt - nothing.
What books do you read?

It's in a book called "The Complete Guide to Picture Framing" by Jenny Rodwell and George Short. Published by Macdonald & Co. 1986.
Interesting book but a bit 'Old School' now.

That's interesting that they gave it that name in their book and makes you wonder where they'd seen it in that connection - as you say it may have been a particular design that had been given that name. Like Vintage, we'd only ever previously seen that style referred to as Kent frames.