The Evolution of Picture Framing

“A picture without a frame is like a body without a soul”

A picture frame is one of the most beautiful pieces of art, which traces its origin to ancient

artists and sculptors. A picture frame performs both aesthetic and practical roles. It is the

boundary of the composition; defining, complementing and separating the artwork from its

surroundings. Framing a picture also protects the art from damage and allows it to be more

easily hung on the wall. According to a survey, more attention was paid in making frames

that fit into an architectural setting rather than the frames being created to complement the

paintings they surrounded. Picture frames, today, contain elaborate paintings and

photographs and are used to adorn the walls of the house. They are mostly found in painting

exhibitions and other artistic events.

Quite a big difference exists between the use of frames in the past and the way we use the

frames today. Here's a quick look at the origin of picture frames.

Picture Framing Services – PaintBox Soho

The Evolution of Picture Framing

When were the first frames created?

Picture frames have been around since ancient times of the Egyptians and the Greeks some

4000 years ago. They used framing borders on vase, pottery, tomb paintings, and later in

mosaics, enclosing narrative scenes and decorative panels. Christian art adapted these

carved edgings of ivory for book covers and altarpieces. Art was very much the extension of

religious worship. As these became more elaborate, so did the frames of the art within. The

12th and 13th centuries brought about the hand-carved, wooden frames that we recognize

today. These were used as part of a church's decor, and provided borders to partition the

scenes and the ornamentation in the wall paintings and pottery work. These frames were

made from a single piece of wood, which was a rather costly method. As the role of artists

began to change into a secular tradition, the art of frame-making evolved. The painters

began to see themselves as creators of art for themselves, rather than as an extension of

religious belief and worship. They began using mitred moulding strips for carved wooden

frames which proved to be more efficient and cost-effective method.

What were the original frames made of?

Initially, the frames were made out of wood. In the 16 th century, frames were made out of

oak, until pine became popular in the 17th century as it was lighter and easier to work with.

Paper-mache was used later, which allowed a more decorative look by simply pressing

patterns onto the frame. Large frame pieces that would be included on church altar were

made out of heavier wood. The frame was not only used for decoration, but as structural

supports as these were made from pieces of wood glued together.

The types of materials used for frames after Renaissance were directly related to their

wealth and power. These noble frames were typically made with walnut, ebony,

tortoiseshell, ivory, and other expensive materials.

Hand crafted frames continued through the different centuries, with each crafter

incorporating their style and the trends of that period. The 19th century was when hand

crafted frames began to see a decline and frames started to get mass-produced.

Picture Framing Services – PaintBox Soho

The Evolution of Picture Framing

Picture Framing – Today

As the 20th century progressed, technology allowed an affordable picture frames to be made

in almost any material. Today we don't only use wood, but also metal, polystyrene, seashells

and plastic in an almost unlimited range of shapes and sizes of moulding. Glazing is

provided to the frames with glass as well as plexiglass which is lighter than weight and

which provides up to 90% U-V protection.

In today's world, frame making is no longer the same; digital frames are now being

produced featuring all the latest technology. Many online frame stores like Framebridge,

Framehouse, Paintbox Art and Framing, Chemould Frames, Paintbox Soho provide with

custom frames as well as hand crafted frames. Although the new frames are fascinating

there is still nothing more classic than one of your favourite pictures held in a vintage frame.

Picture Framing Services – PaintBox Soho