Reproduction framing

We were commissioned to produce a hand-carved and gilded reproduction of a 17th century Auricular frame for a painting by Van Dyck.   The form of the Auricular frame is largely organic resembling ears and ear lobes (hence the name ‘auricular’); conch shells, grotesque masks, scrolls and foliage.  In England this Mannerist frame also became known as the 'Sunderland' frame due to Robert Spencer, 2nd Earl of Sunderland, using it to furnish the walls of the gallery at Althorp.  The images show various stages of the finishing process and several close up shots of the patination.  Reproduction framing is an essential element of the art world bridging the gap of suitable antique frames that have unsuitable dimensions.