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.