Every so often, a project comes through our workshop that feels truly special — a piece that carries not just artistic value, but a tangible sense of history. Recently, a customer brought in a very large oil painting on canvas, salvaged during the restoration of a historic building.

The canvas itself was a story in texture — aged, slightly warped, and still holding bits of plaster from the wall it once adorned. The painting, reminiscent of a Dutch still life, had that moody depth and quiet richness of tone that draws you in. Our task was to flatten, preserve, and frame it in a way that respected both its age and its artistry.

To achieve the right balance of grandeur and support for the oversized canvas, we chose a substantial gold moulding. But one moulding alone didn’t quite deliver the scale and presence the artwork deserved — so we doubled up on the frame, carefully combining two complementary profiles to create a bold, elegant surround.

The process was meticulous. We eased the canvas flat without disturbing the fragile surface and worked to retain its character — every brushstroke and speck of plaster a reminder of where it came from.

The finished piece is breath taking: a Dutch-inspired still life framed in opulent gold, its historical scars beautifully preserved. What was once part of a crumbling wall is now reborn as a centrepiece — a fragment of history, framed for generations to come.

​If you have a project which requires extra attention to detail please get in touch. We love these kind of projects. 

A Hidden Gem from the 1960s
Every so often, a project comes through our workshop that reminds us why we love what we do. One recent piece brought not just colour and texture, but a deep sense of history and personal meaning.

A customer came to us with a remarkable story—and an equally remarkable item. While renovating their home, they decided to change the hand-printed wallpaper, which dated back to the 1960s. Rather than letting it be stripped away and forgotten, they asked the builders to carefully remove a section. For them, it wasn’t just wallpaper—it was the spirit of the house, a tangible connection to its past.

A Meaningful Request
Wanting to preserve that connection, they brought the piece to us to frame.

We immediately saw the potential in the wallpaper’s intricate design and timeworn charm. To honour its delicacy and depth, we recommended a floating frame technique, allowing the edges and texture of the paper to be fully appreciated—almost as if it were suspended in time.

Protecting What Matters
To further protect the piece for years to come, we advised using Artglass—a museum-grade glazing that filters out harmful UV rays while eliminating reflections. This not only preserves the paper’s original colours, but ensures that the detail and craftsmanship can be admired without distraction.

A Framed Story, Not Just a Picture
The end result was more than a frame—it was a conversation piece, a memory made visible, and a beautiful nod to the history that shaped their home.

Your Story, Expertly Framed
At our bespoke framing studio, we believe that every item has a story—and our job is to help you tell it beautifully. Do you have anything which deserves to be preserved in time?

This week, another truly special piece made its way through our doors. We had the honour of framing a rare and controversial gem from none other than the elusive street artist, Banksy.

Recently, at Glastonbury Festival 2025, a series of unassuming £20 artworks were quietly being sold. Hidden within one of these pieces was a limited edition Banksy — a subtle, cheeky, and politically charged work that reflects everything we’ve come to expect from the anonymous provocateur. Word soon spread, but only a few lucky buyers managed to get their hands on one.

One such piece ended up right here in our studio, brought in by a local customer who recognised its uniqueness and wanted to preserve and enhance it for years to come.

Elevating the Unconventional

With a piece this bold — both in origin and message — our job was to let the art speak for itself while ensuring it was protected to the highest standards.

We chose a sleek, black bespoke frame, modern yet understated, to echo the minimalist aesthetic Banksy often employs. To protect the print and ensure maximum visibility with minimal glare, we used Artglass AR70 — a premium anti-reflective glass that almost disappears when viewed head-on. This choice allows the viewer to engage with the artwork directly, without distraction.

Framing with Intention

Framing a Banksy isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about respect — for the art, the message, and the story behind its creation. This piece wasn’t bought from a gallery or auction house. It was discovered by chance, in a field, hidden in plain sight — which makes it even more extraordinary.

To handle and frame it felt like a small part in its journey — from a £20 festival find to a statement piece of cultural commentary, preserved for a lifetime.

A Nod to the Unexpected
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As a bespoke framing business, we love helping people protect what matters to them — from cherished family photos to bold artistic statements. And sometimes, what matters most is something unexpected, even controversial.

This Banksy is a reminder that art can turn up anywhere, challenge norms, and make us pause — and that great framing ensures it can do so for years to come.

Have something special you’d like to frame? Whether it’s a Banksy or a beloved print from your travels, we’ll treat it with the care and creativity it deserves. Get in touch or pop in to chat framing ideas.

At Artscape, we never quite know what’s going to come through the door—but every so often, something truly special arrives that reminds us why we love what we do. Recently, a local client brought in an extraordinary piece: a porcelain plate created by Pablo Picasso, purchased at auction from Christie’s.

This wasn’t just decorative china. Picasso’s ceramics are celebrated as vibrant, energetic expressions of his artistry—playful yet powerful. The plate in question depicted a dramatic bullfight, rich in earth tones and movement, with all the tension and vitality you'd expect from the master himself.

The Challenge: Securing the Piece

Framing a valuable and fragile object like this requires care, creativity, and conservation expertise. Porcelain is heavy and breakable, and in this case, also uniquely shaped. Our first priority was to secure the piece safely in the frame without adhesives or materials that could damage it over time.

We engineered a custom mount that held the plate firmly yet invisibly within a deep box frame, allowing it to “float” while being fully supported.

Choosing the Frame: Texture, Tone, and Storytelling

Next came the aesthetic decisions. The colour palette of the artwork was rich and warm—browns, blacks, and ochres—which led us to two strong frame contenders: a deep, dark brown wood with natural texture, or a custom leather-wrapped frame, referencing the rugged materials of the bullring itself. Both complemented the artwork beautifully, but the final choice brought just the right mix of drama and refinement.

Museum-Grade Protection

To protect the piece without compromising its visual impact, we used museum acrylic rather than glass. Not only is it lighter and shatter-resistant—ideal for a delicate porcelain object—it also offers crystal-clear visibility and 99% UV protection. This ensures the artwork remains perfectly preserved, without any risk of glass-related damage.

The Result
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The final piece now sits proudly within its custom box frame—secure, beautifully lit, and given the visual space it deserves. It's more than just a display—it's a tribute to the artwork and a story preserved for generations.

At Artscape, we love working on projects like this: where the technical meets the artistic, and where craftsmanship makes all the difference. Whether you have a world-famous ceramic or a personal treasure, we’re here to help you frame it with care, creativity, and expertise.

Come and talk to us—we’d love to hear your story.

A recent project brought a fascinating piece of seaside history into our workshop — a rare poster from the early 1900s, featuring the old sea tram that once ran along Brighton’s coast. The customer had recently acquired it at auction, and while the poster had been preserved by mounting it onto a rigid board, time had taken its toll. The backing had become warped and bowed, making it unsuitable for display without intervention.

The Challenge: Straightening and Stabilising a Warped Board

The poster was firmly adhered to its original backing, so removal wasn’t an option. Instead, our task was to carefully work with the existing board, gently flattening it as much as possible. While we couldn’t entirely reverse the warping, careful mounting within the frame—combined with the pressure from the glass—helped to visually eliminate the distortion. Once the glazing was in place, the poster appeared flat and crisp, ready to be displayed proudly.

The Framing Decision: A Traditional Approach with a Contemporary Finish

While a box frame was considered, this would have required adhering the poster to a new mount, permanently obscuring the reverse of the piece. Keen to preserve its full character, the customer instead opted for a traditional framing solution.

We selected a backing mount that echoed the warm, aged tones of the poster, paired with a subtly contrasting upper mount to give definition and depth. The frame—a clean, matt black—offered a modern contrast that enhanced the vintage aesthetic without overwhelming it.

Protection: AR70 Artglass for Preservation and Clarity

To protect the piece for the long term, we used AR70 Artglass. This museum-quality glass reduces reflections while offering excellent UV protection, helping to prevent fading and further deterioration of the antique paper. Additionally, the tight fit between the glass and the poster helped keep the slightly bowed board visually smooth, making the overall presentation even more refined.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Revival of Coastal Heritage

This project was a beautiful blend of restoration, preservation, and presentation. By carefully addressing the warping, selecting the right frame and mounts, and using specialist glazing, we were able to bring new life to a rare and meaningful piece of Brighton’s seaside history—ensuring it can be enjoyed and admired for many more years to come.

We recently had the privilege of working on a truly unique and valuable piece that combined history, artistry, and a touch of gold. A customer brought in a striking artwork that began life as a vintage map, which the artist had transformed into a shimmering landscape of London using gold leaf. The result was a delicate, radiant piece that deserved the highest level of care and a bespoke frame to enhance and preserve its beauty.

The Challenge: Delicate Gold Leaf on Vintage Paper

Given the nature of the materials—particularly the fragile gold leaf—the artwork first needed to be carefully flattened. This is a delicate process, especially when working with older paper and metallic embellishments, and it required both time and precision to ensure the integrity of the piece was maintained.

Mounting and Framing: Enhancing Without Overpowering

Once the artwork was stabilised, we selected a double mount that subtly echoed the tones of the gold without overpowering the map's intricate details. The double mount not only provided depth and a  visual balance but also created a respectful space between the glass and the art, offering both aesthetic and protective benefits.

To complete the presentation, we chose a frame that complemented the richness of the gold leaf and the historical charm of the map. The aim was to create a harmony between old-world elegance and modern craftsmanship.

Preservation: Artglass for Clarity and Protection

We finished the piece with Artglass, a premium glazing option that provides crystal-clear visibility while offering UV protection—essential for preserving delicate elements like gold leaf and vintage paper. It ensures the artwork can be displayed without compromising its longevity.

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Transformation
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This was more than just a framing project—it was a collaboration in preserving a work of art that bridges cartography and fine art. It’s always rewarding to help our customers showcase their treasures in a way that respects both their history and their beauty.

At Artscape, we love when a project combines artistry, culture, and craftsmanship. A recent framing commission brought us exactly that—a striking set of four Vietnamese lacquered panels, each delicately inlaid with Mother of Pearl and rich in intricate Oriental design.

These artworks were full of depth, shimmer, and historical charm. Framing them wasn’t just about protection—it was about presentation. The client wanted to display all four panels together while still celebrating each piece’s individual beauty. Our solution? A completely bespoke frame design that honoured the art’s heritage and enhanced its visual impact.

Double Mounting with a Hint of Gold

We began with a double mount setup to add both depth and contrast. The top mount was a smooth, rich black that complemented the glossy lacquer surfaces. Beneath that, a gold under-mount provided a warm accent that echoed the lustre of the Mother of Pearl and gold work in the piece. This subtle combination added elegance without competing with the artwork itself.

Float-Style Presentation

To give each panel the space it deserved, we used a float-style technique—allowing the panels to appear as though they’re suspended within the frame. This approach preserved the tactile beauty and edge details of each piece while offering a clean, modern finish.

Bespoke Black Moulding

The outer frame was chosen carefully: a custom black moulding with a satin finish that mirrored the lacquered surfaces of the panels. Its sharp lines offered a contemporary edge, while a thin reveal of gold mount board inside the frame tied the whole piece together, harmonising with the artwork’s natural tones.

Crystal-Clear Protection with Art Glass

To protect this delicate work without sacrificing clarity, we used Art Glass—a premium glazing option that offers superb UV protection and minimal reflection. It allowed the viewer to enjoy every detail of the Mother of Pearl and lacquer work without distracting glare or distortion. It was the perfect finishing touch to a truly special piece.

The Final Result

The finished frame brought the four panels together into a unified statement, while still allowing each piece its own presence. It was a beautiful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern display—a piece ready to shine in any setting.

Have something unique or culturally significant you’d like to showcase? We’ll help you create a frame that does it justice.

A Unique Artistic Challenge

At Artscape, we take pride in bringing out the best in every piece of artwork through thoughtful and tailored framing solutions. Recently, we had the pleasure of working on a stunning collection of abstract oil paintings on deep canvas, brought in by a discerning client looking to enhance their visual impact.

We also framed a number of pieces for Helen for her submission to the Royal Academy of Art and Helen plans to showcase her newest artwork in the prestigious annual exhibition. Additionally, her artwork is available for sale on her website, offering collectors the opportunity to own one of her stunning pieces.

Creating the Floating Effect

The scope of this project was to accentuate the vibrant colours and create a floating effect that would allow the artwork to truly shine. To achieve this, we selected a bespoke floating frame that not only complemented the rich textures of the oil paintings but also provided a seamless, modern presentation. The careful spacing and depth of the frame gave the illusion that the artwork was suspended within its housing, adding a sophisticated and contemporary aesthetic.

Beyond Preservation: Elevating the Art

Our approach to framing goes beyond just preservation; it is about elevating the art and ensuring it is displayed in a way that does justice to the artist’s vision. The final result was a breath-taking showcase that enriched the colours and brought out the depth of the abstract compositions.

Bring Your Artwork to Life

If you have a unique piece that deserves the perfect frame, we would love to collaborate with you to create a stunning display that enhances and protects your artwork. Get in touch with us today to discuss your bespoke framing needs.

If you want to see more of Helen's work or even buy one of her amazing pieces, or you would like a unique commission please contact her on her website: www.hdcarew.com

At Artscape, we are privileged to help families preserve their most cherished memories. Recently, we had the honour of working on a truly special project—one that combined adventure, history, and deep family sentiment.

A client came to us with a remarkable request: he wanted to frame a pickaxe used by his late father-in-law over 50 years ago while scaling Mont Blanc, one of Europe’s most iconic peaks. Alongside the pickaxe, he brought in a collection of photographs from the expedition, capturing the breath-taking landscapes and the sheer determination of a passionate mountaineer. His goal was to create a lasting tribute for his wife and their family—a way to celebrate the incredible feat and keep the memory alive for generations to come.

Bringing the Story to Life

Framing an object as unique as a mountaineer’s pickaxe requires more than just craftsmanship—it demands a deep appreciation for the story it tells. We wanted to ensure that every detail reflected the importance of the climb and the legacy left behind.

Designing the Frame

To encapsulate the adventure, we opted for:

• A deep box frame to securely house the pickaxe while allowing it to take centre stage.
• A carefully selected mount board to complement the tones of the aged wood and metal, enhancing the rugged yet timeless look of the tool.
• Museum-grade glass to protect the photographs and prevent fading, ensuring they remain as vivid as the memories they hold.

A Timeless Tribute

Once completed, the framed piece was more than just a display—it became a window into history. The pickaxe, once a functional tool in an ambitious ascent, now stands as a testament to resilience, passion, and adventure. The photographs, thoughtfully arranged, bring the story to life, offering a glimpse into the journey that shaped a family’s legacy.

When our client saw the finished piece, he was moved beyond words. He knew that his wife and their family would cherish it forever—a daily reminder of the incredible man who once stood atop Mont Blanc.

At Artscape, we don’t just frame objects; we preserve moments, honour stories, and create heirlooms that last a lifetime. If you have a special item that deserves to be showcased, we’d love to help bring your story to life.

Have a treasured memory you’d like to frame? Contact us today or come into the shop and let’s create something truly special.