Every now and then, a truly special piece makes its way into our workshop — one that
reminds us why bespoke framing is as much about preservation as it is about presentation.
Recently, we had the privilege of framing an original photograph by the world-renowned
photographer Ansel Adams.

Adams’ work is legendary — his black-and-white landscapes of the American wilderness
are among the most recognisable and collectible photographs in history. Authentic prints by
Adams often sell for thousands of pounds, so when our client brought one in, we knew this
project called for the very highest standards of care, materials, and craftsmanship.

A Vision of Simplicity and Strength

The client had a clear vision for the framing design: they wanted a strong, contemporary
look that would enhance the tonal depth of the image without competing with it. To achieve
this, we selected a thick 4500-micron mount — a bold choice that created striking visual
separation between the black-and-white photograph and its surroundings.

This deep mount gave the print room to breathe, drawing the eye inward and allowing the
image’s subtle gradients and textures to take centre stage.

For the frame, the client chose a modern black moulding with a sleek finish — a perfect
complement to Adams’ minimalist aesthetic. The clean lines and understated style ensured
that the framing design served the artwork, not the other way around.

Museum-Grade Protection with AR99 Artglass

Given the value and rarity of the photograph, protection was a top priority. The client opted
for AR99 Artglass, a museum-grade glazing that offers 99% UV protection while
maintaining crystal-clear visibility.
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This type of glazing is designed specifically for high-value artworks and archival
preservation. It prevents fading and degradation caused by light exposure while eliminating
glare, allowing the viewer to appreciate every fine detail of the photograph.

The Result

The finished piece was a perfect balance of modern design, precision, and preservation. The
deep white mount created an elegant contrast against the dark frame, while the AR99
Artglass provided invisible protection — ensuring the photograph will remain as striking in
decades to come as it is today.

For us, it was an honour to handle a genuine Ansel Adams original — a reminder of why
bespoke framing matters so deeply when it comes to rare and valuable works of art.

Expert Framing for Valuable and Collectible Artworks
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Whether you’ve invested in a fine art photograph, a limited edition print, or an original
artwork, our team specialises in museum-quality bespoke framing that combines aesthetics
with conservation.

Visit our studio or get in touch to discuss how we can help you protect and present you
most treasured pieces.

At our bespoke framing studio, we’re often asked to frame items that go beyond traditional
artwork — from vintage garments to keepsakes and textiles. One recent project stood out as
both a technical and creative challenge: framing a Persian rug that was a full ¾ inch thick
(around 2 cm).

The Client’s Vision

Our client wanted their hand-woven Persian rug displayed in a frame with Artglass and a 2-
inch border — an elegant design that would protect the rug while showing off its intricate
patterns and craftsmanship.

The First Challenge: Depth and Structure

Most picture frame mouldings have a shallow rebate, suitable for flat artworks or canvases.
This rug, however, required a recess depth of at least 2 cm to sit comfortably within the
frame without pressing against the glazing.
After searching through several moulding collections, we sourced a deep moulding with the
right structural strength and visual balance to complement the rug’s rich tones. The depth
allowed the rug to sit neatly within the frame while maintaining the clean, gallery-style look
the client wanted.

The Second Challenge: Mounting Without Damage

Framing textiles — especially antique or handmade ones — requires great care. Traditional
mounting methods like adhesives or stitching can easily damage the fibres of a Persian rug,
so we needed a non-invasive textile mounting solution.
To solve this, we created a discreet support system behind the piece, allowing the rug to
rest securely against the mountboard without being permanently fixed. This method
provided both stability and conservation, ensuring the rug could be safely displayed or
removed in the future without harm.

The Finishing Touches

The rug was then glazed with Artglass, which offers museum-quality clarity and UV
protection. This ensures that every detail of the weave remains visible while safeguarding
the colours from fading over time. The 2-inch border added depth and visual breathing
space, making the finished piece both striking and sophisticated.

The Result

The finished frame showcased the beauty and texture of the Persian rug perfectly — a piece
that now functions as both art and heirloom. It was a reminder that with the right materials
and expertise, even the most challenging objects can be transformed into timeless wall art.
Bring Your Own Textiles to Life
If you have a textile, rug, or object you’d love to frame — whether it’s a family heirloom, a
travel treasure, or a unique piece of fabric art — our team specialises in bespoke object
framing and textile conservation framing. We’ll help you design a custom frame that
protects your piece while displaying it beautifully.

​Visit our studio or get in touch to discuss your project — we love turning meaningful
items into extraordinary framed displays.

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.