experimenting with vintage dress patterns photo, don’t pick a pink mat.” “When finding the right frame for a piece,
collaged onto canvas. it’sveryexciting,”Colleensays.“Myfavorite
“Sometimes you simply need to update a
part of the process is when client opens the
AfterapprenticingataPrincetonframeshopand piece that was framed a long time ago,” she
finished product. It’s always a bit like
gallery, Colleen founded Radclyffe in 2003. says. “Change the mat and frame, and get a
Christmas.”
whole new look.”
“I like that framing serves a few different
One of her favorite things framed was a
purposes,” Colleen explains. “First, there’s
shadowboxforTheBestinShowBlueRibbon
the preservation aspect. When you use Make Art Last
from Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
archival materials and frame it properly, you
“The ribbon itself was over four feet tall!”
are preserving it so it can be enjoyed for
If something was framed before the ‘90s,
generations to come. Then, there’s the
Colleen can almost guarantee that the mats
“Whatshedoesgoesbeyondframing,”says
decorative aspect. When you marry the
are not archival. “Non-archival mats will
Mary Alice McCullough of New Hope. “She
perfect framewithafamily mementoor work
fade, and acid will leach onto your artwork
literally takes some very pedestrian pieces
of art, the sum is greater than its parts.”
– a problem for all types of art except for oil
and makes them masterpieces. She has an
paintings,” she says.
eye for color and textures.”
Colleen picks frames that make the piece
look its best. “Don’t match the walls or the
Colleen also prefers conservation glass,
Colleen has framed– or reframed– all of the
room, which may change over time.”
which fends off up to 97 percent of UV light
treasures Mary Alice has brought home from
and frees up your design. “Then you can
her travels -- tapestries from Belgium, antique
“Wide, chunky frames are in vogue because place photos and art on a sunny wall if you
oils from Germany, even very large
they add a presence to the art on the wall, protect them,” she says.
photographs. And each one is unique.
but you don’t want to overpower the piece,”
she says. “Always keep in mind the scale
Colleen’s gallery boasts of hand-tooled
“She’snotaframer,”MaryAlicesays.“She’s
and ornamentation of the frame.”
leather frames,hand-carvedgold-leafframes
an artist.”
and an endless selection of wooden ones.
Clients admire Colleen for her diplomatic And despite her love for all things Bucks, Story By Maria Martino Evans
wayofsteeringthemawayfromframingfaux using salvaged wood does not usually make
pas. For example, “with a black-and-white for a reliable frame.
Framing
A great frame does more than accessorize the art it
a73Usemorethanonemattocreatespecialeffects.Athincolorborder
surrounds; “it touches an entire room, adding
draws attention to the image. Fine art often looks best with double
mats. In traditional museum-style matting, both mats are light,
elegance and personal style,” says Colleen Matthews
neutral tones. Also, Colleen adds, “art that is framed using neutral
mats can be moved from room to room, giving your home a
of Radclyffe Gallery & Framing. And custom fresh look.”
framing, “creates timeless heirlooms that can be
a73Use a fillet -- that small piece of molding that fits inside matting and
enjoyed for generations to come.”
helps repeat the frame finish and design closer to the artwork – to
draw your eyes inward to the art. It also adds depth and drama to
Forbestresults,takeyourmostpreciousitemstoaprofessional
the composition.
frame shop. But be prepared before you go.
a73
a73Plan to preserve your work: use archival materials, including acid-
Choose a molding for the frame that suits the piece, both in
free mats and conservation glass. Remember that conservation
thematerial (leather,metal,wood)andsize. Theright frame
glass will protect your piece from 97 percent of ultraviolet rays,
gives substance to the piece but does not overwhelm it.
allowing you to put framed items safely on sunny walls.
Consider the scale and ornamentation of the frame.
a73
N
a73
If you are filling wall space with photos or art, “find a unifying
A
Pick a frame that makes the piece looks its best. “Don’t try
theme if doing a grouping, but remember that everything doesn’t
M
O
to match the walls or the room, which may change over
have to match,” Colleen says. “Instead, choose the same color or
W
time,” Colleen says.
style of frame in different shapes and sizes.” T
Y
a73
N
By custom framing your pieces, you better serve the pieces –
U
Choose a mat whose texture and color complement what
O
you are framing. Generally, the frame color should be
and yourself.
C
different from the mat color. Similarly colored frames and
K
S
C
matsdrawattentiontothemselvesandawayfromtheimage.
B
U
2
5
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