Closed Corner Frames Turn Your Art into a Masterpiece
Imagine you're in the Detroit Institute of Art (DIA) gazing in wonder at the Detroit Industry Murals in the Central Wing before wandering from room to room to view famous works of art. What do you think the frames around the art will look like?
(The Detroit Industry Mural by Mexican artist Diego M. Rivera.)
Museum collections feature exquisite, highly decorative frames made specifically for each piece within the historical context of the painting. Many also happen to be closed corner frames like these on Vincent van Gogh's Portrait of Postman Roulin and Basket with Oranges masterpieces:
(Examples of closed corner frames on Vincent van Gogh paintings at the DIA.)
What exactly are closed corner frames?
Closed corner frames have a continuous, seamless finish, or painted or sculptural designs in each corner. They are always handmade and completely customizable.
A closed corner frame is joined, and the wood is carved prior to any decoration. Plaster elements and gesso are applied to the wood, followed by layers of paint and gold leaf. Since decoration occurs after the frame is joined, the corners are seamless, or "closed."
How do closed corner frames differ from most of frames you see today?
Most frames come from machine-cut lengths of wood. These mouldings can still be hand painted or gilded, or have other decorative elements, but the finish is applied on a full 8'-10' stick of wood. When these mouldings arrive at Main Street Art (MSA), they look sort of like a narrow version of your average 2" x 4" x 8' piece of lumber with a pretty paint, stain or veneer finish.
Then, the mouldings are chopped to size at 45 degree angles and the rails are joined together using glue and mechanical fasteners (we use v-nails at MSA). Colored putty is sometimes placed in the corners of a frame at the joint, but otherwise the frame is complete once it is joined. There will always be able a slight discernible line where the frame corners align on the finished piece.
Does Main Street Art have closed corner frames available?
Yes! We're thrilled to announce we are now partnering with five USA manufacturers to offer our customers a variety of closed corner frame options suitable for a range of interior design styles!
Rhonda Feinman Custom Frames: For traditional or contemporary homes we have several genuine karat gold leaf frames for a sophisticated look. Rhonda Feinman's New York City artisans hand carve wood, cast, and apply decorative composition ornament, then gild only with genuine karat gold leaf to produce sensitive and faithful reproductions of fine antique frames. Many of their new designs also pair beautifully with modern art.
A Street Frames: If you desire an urban, industrial ambiance welded steel frames leave a lasting impact. The master craftspeople at A Street Frames in Massachusetts start with raw angle or bar steel, which we then cut, weld, and grind, resulting in finishes that range from the sleek and contemporary to rough and industrial.
A customer's piece presented in a House of Maes frame and corner samples.
The Chester Frame Company: The "unapologetically rustic" Chester Frame, with its distressed and earthy feel, fit perfectly in a variety of decor styles, especially those that celebrate natural elements, warmth, and an organic aesthetic. Each frame is tailored to fit the color scheme of your artwork. They are handcrafted and painted in Madison, Connecticut.
The Chester Frame Company corner samples
Prisma Frames: If you are an ultra modern and maximalist fan you will love the colorful and patterned acrylic frames made by Prisma. Prisma takes picture framing into a whole new spectrum by combining color, shape and graphic pattern for original seamless frame creations. The completely customizable and versatile frames are manufactured in Chicago, IL of high-grade acrylic.
We can't wait to introduce you to these exciting options! Book an appointment for custom framing today by clicking here. Walk-ins are also welcome. Please visit our gallery to meet with one of our designers Tuesday - Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.