The Framers Forum

I have a friend who has asked me to produce a mirror similar to the attached picture, which was originally commissioned by one of our local breweries (Burton Brewery). The first place I went to, naturally, was the brewery to ask them who did it for them. Unfortunately the framer who did this one has gone out of business.

There is no problem with the swept frame nor the etched mirror (permission granted form the brewery) , but I cannot locate the spandrel.

My first port of call for such item was Simons who said that they think they used to produce it but stopped some time ago. looking around I cannot find anyone who has these. The spandrel is going to be the deciding factor as to size of swept frame and hence mirror. Anyone able to help please?

You could try Frinton, I think they do Spandrels. Is it a far east jobbie? maybe International Art Supplies do something similar.

I have made them before, from MDF, finished with liberon gilt cream.

Nice frame.

I would check with Frinton as a first resort. They can do a lot of things that aren't 'in the catalogue'.


Spandrels aren't difficult to make. The hardest part on that one is the running pattern on the inner edge.

It looks like that frame and spandrel came as seen, as the corner decoration on the spandrel continues on to the frame, you couldn't do that if you bought the spandrel separate unless of course it was hand done.

I'm sure Arqadia did something similar, definitely in ovals and circles because I've still got some from them, but they're no longer in their catalogue, not on line anyway.

I might even have an arch like that, not sure, a bell is ringing, but I do know that whenever the rep comes round with discontinued stuff like this on offer at silly prices, we buy a shedload of it.

I bet I've got one and I bet it's about 10x8"!!

Well I was right about Arqadia doing them - it looks pretty much like the same thing. The photo is from their separate 'frame collection' catalogue. Mrs R tells me we had a few but have sold them.

They're discontinued and their website says no stock but it may be worth a phone call to Arqadia/your Arqadia rep.

Simons do some weird and wonderful frames that aren't in the moulding catalogue. Might be worth a call....

Many thanks Robo and Prospero for the help. I contacted Arqadia and they had no number on the system for these frames and when I said that it was in the "frame collection" catologue they told me they had stopped that "ages" ago.

That's definitely the frame and I will try Frintons to see if they have anything along those lines.

Pint on me from Burton Bridge Brewery whenever you are up this way.

I've just had an enormously cunning idea on how to do a running pattern around the inside of a spandrel.

Just for bedevilment I'm going to see if I can make one.

I may be some time........

I reckon I may have a go at making one this weekend, could change my user name to spandrelmaker