Form and Function of European Picture Frames from the 15th - 20th century

Due to the success of previous talks, Paul Mitchell gallery will continue to offer visitors an immersive and memorable experience into the fascinating world of picture framing. 

Company directors Paul and Mark are giving guided tours of their unique collection of European picture frames, many of which are rare works of art. 

Supported by Powerpoint presentations various frame styles will be shown, their origins, types of ornament and finishes.  Followed by selected paintings of all genres and periods our firm has framed for public collections worldwide, examining the previous frame’s shortcomings and criteria for selecting a suitable replacement. Before & after images vividly reveal the transformative impact of historically authentic presentation.

The production of handmade replicas by their highly skilled team of carvers and gilders will be shown and compared to their period models. 

The tour concludes with viewing the Paul Mitchell photographic archive comprising over 50,000 photos of framed paintings and related decorative arts from museums, houses and churches in 24 countries. Its research benefits will be outlined including sources for the firm's two ground breaking books on frame history, essays in exhibition catalogues, journals, magazine articles and identification of frame patterns. 

See here to learn more about Paul Mitchell and view a selection of the distinguished works they have framed over 47 years.

Register.