Restoration

Antique frames are collectable pieces of art in their own right. Frames can easily become damaged when handled and moved around. The glues used to make gesso and to fix the compo to the frame dry out over time and they will both easily come away from the wooden substrate. Central heating in homes has not been good for antique frames and furniture causing excessive drying out of wood.

I can restore antique frames to their good original condition. Firstly the surface and any loose ornament and gesso is stabilised. The gilding can be lightly cleaned, and then any missing carved wood or compo ornaments, and gesso can be replaced. The antique bole colour can then be matched before the repaired areas are gilded and then toned to match the patina of the original finish. I would always try to preserve as much of the original finish as possible and retain the creator’s workmanship. Sometimes this is not viable and in these cases the entire frame can be gilded and then distressed and antiqued to replicate the look of years gone by. Many antique frames have been over painted with gold paint, this can be removed to restore the frame to its original glory.

Composition ornament (or compo as it is known) has been used extensively in picture frame making since the early 19th Century. Before its development the vast majority of frames were carved by hand. The technique for making reproduction antique frame styles has changed very little since the 19th Century. Compo is made from; pine rosin, whiting, animal glue, linseed oil, and glycerine. Once mixed and prepared it is pressed into hand carved boxwood moulds. The detailed impression of ornament is then applied to the picture frame. Gesso is then applied by brush or spray gun, then bole is applied, depending on the budget the frame can then be gilded with bronze powder, metal, or gold leaf or a combination of these finishes. Finally the frame is distressed, sealed, and given an antique patina. Compo ornament (as opposed to carved) on antique frames can be easily identified by the cracks that develop over the years. The compo sets very hard and as the wooden substrate swells, contracts, and moves about the compo cracks. Frames can also be ornamented with plaster, papier-mâché, moulded wood pulp, and other materials.

If you are looking for an antique frame for a specific painting or a mirror I can try and source this for you. I also undertake restoration work on gilded furniture and I am happy to arrange for the restoration of oil paintings, watercolours, and works on paper using experts in these areas.