Oriental fans, football shirts, shields, christening robes, jewellery, puzzles, medals, shoes…you name it and the Garnetts are likely to have framed it. Husband and wife team Martin and Sue of Framework Studios in Chenies are expert framers. But pictures are only part of the story, Framework is as much about capturing memories, conserving precious possessions and mounting memorabilia for all to appreciate – mostly hung on walls, but occasionally displayed in another ways.
One recent job involved artefacts arranged in a glass topped display cabinet. The oak cabinet was carefully restored before the objects, ranging from a nineteenth century lead toy rabbit to a clog fastener, musket balls, harness fittings, pewter spoon bowl, log fastener, George V breeches buckle and Mary Tudor Groat, were fixed on a velvet background after first being measured and positions planned to the millimetre. The finished piece will soon be on show to visitors at Chenies Manor.
“ Every job is different and every one important.” says Martin, “The customer comes first and whether it’s a simple print or an athlete’s Olympic vest we give it the same respect and attention.”
Martin and Sue’s skills complement each other.
“I do the restoration and put it all together while Martin does the intricate cutting.” says Sue, “Tapestries can be tricky as the tension often varies in different areas of the work but with time, patience and a little bit of easing we can even out. They are always hand stretched and sewn, we never use glue
And if a painting needs specialist attention they can send it next door, there’s a picture restorer in the courtyard.
Martin himself is a craftsmen through and through. With over twenty five years experience behind him there isn’t much he doesn’t know about framing. He has state of the art machinery in the workshop, the most recent investment being a computerised mount cutter and he sometimes helps out other framers who have less sophisticated equipment.
Mouldings and glass are carefully selected.
“ As well as standard glass we have diffused glass. It’s twice the price of clear but has a soft appearance and takes the sharpness off the picture. Then, for very valuable items there’s the option of UV version museum quality glass… it’s six times the price of clear but incredible as you can’t see it at all.”
Martin always discusses with the client where the framed piece will be hung, the use of the room and the style of the interior before suggesting a moulding
“ Whatever the customer chooses, we advise that the frame should lead your eye into the item and not be dominant. We can make home visits if necessary.”
“Like everything else there are trends in frames” adds Sue, “Metal isn’t as fashionable as it was”
Painted mouldings are popular although the finishes change – matt and washed effects are more in demand than glossy frames, shabby chic, distressed timber and antiqued and burnished golds are favourites
“ We have just had a new colour palette in with some brilliant shades. The hardest part is making a choice but it’s fun and we always help out!”
Framework Studios, The Old Milking Parlour, Chenies Manor, 01494 766686
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Photos© Chorelywood Magazine
