Custom Picture Frame – Gilded with 22K Gold Leaf

A solid wood picture frame, made to measure, crafted with traditional methods and the highest quality materials. This is a museum-quality artistic frame, hand-gilded with 22K gold leaf, created for collectors, galleries, and anyone who values unique craftsmanship. Its classical form, stable construction, and refined finish make it a perfect choice for oil paintings, works on paper, or even mirrors in a classic style.

Craftsmanship and Process

Each frame is made in my workshop, starting from solid wooden mouldings. The mouldings are joined with traditional wooden mortise joints, which ensure stability and durability over time. Unlike mass-produced profiles, these joints guarantee perfect corners that stay in place for years.

After assembly, the surface is prepared with several layers of gesso – a chalk-and-glue ground that forms the base for gilding. The gesso is carefully sanded and polished by hand, then covered with a layer of bole, a coloured clay that enhances the brilliance of the gold. The gilding is done with genuine 22K gold leaf, a material also used in museum restoration, valued for its durability and long-lasting shine.

The process ends with hand-finishing – polishing, patination, or subtle distressing – giving each frame an individual character. Every piece is signed and numbered, confirming its authenticity and uniqueness.

Visual Effect

This frame has a strong and elegant presence. With a width of 90 mm, it surrounds the artwork like a piece of architecture, creating a striking backdrop. The gold reflects light, adding depth and life to the painting. Hand-applied finishes mean the surface is never flat or uniform – small variations highlight the handmade nature of the frame.

Thanks to the gesso and bole, the gold doesn’t just shine but also shifts in tone depending on the light angle. The result is a frame that naturally draws attention to the artwork and enhances its impact in any space – whether a gallery, a museum, or a private home.

Frame Style

This is a reverse frame with an additional inner moulding, also known as a Dutch frame. Its profile slopes outward toward the wall, while the artwork is surrounded by a gilded inner edge.

This type of frame was popular in the 17th century in the Netherlands and is still associated with classical oil painting today. The inner gilded section highlights the colours of the painting, while the broad outer slope gives the frame a calm and balanced look.

Colours and Their Mood

Gold is strongly linked with prestige and elegance – it brings warmth and light into the room. A picture frame gilded with 22K gold emphasizes the presence of the artwork, making it vivid and luminous.

Different bole colours add further possibilities: red gives depth and intensity, grey adds refinement, green introduces freshness and harmony, and black creates contrast and drama. This flexibility allows the frame to be tailored both to the artwork and the interior.

Framing Fine Art

A high-quality frame is not only decoration but also protection and support for the artwork. With a 20 mm rebate depth, this frame can hold paintings on stretched canvas or thinner panels. The back of the frame is carefully finished, and spring clips make mounting secure and straightforward. Thanks to mortise joints, the frame retains its shape and resists warping over time.

Distinctive Details

• Signed and numbered – each frame is unique and authenticated.
• Hand-finishing – from painting to polishing and patination, every step is done by hand.
• 22K gold leaf – a museum-grade material ensuring durability and beauty.
• Solid construction – mortise joints prevent corner gaps.
• Finished back – attention to detail on every side of the frame.

Function and Use

This type of artistic frame is appreciated by collectors, galleries, and private clients. It is suitable for museums, exhibitions, home collections, or elegant interiors. Its classical form works well with oil paintings, watercolours, drawings, and prints. It can also be used to frame a mirror, enhancing the décor of a room.

Every detail has been designed for durability – from solid wood, through traditional joinery, to genuine gold that withstands the passage of time. This is a frame that not only enhances but also protects the artwork.

Technical Specification

• Moulding width: 90 mm
• Moulding thickness: 35–40 mm
• Rebate depth: 20 mm (for stretched canvases or panels)
• Material: solid wood
• Joinery: traditional mortise joints
• Gilding: 22K gold leaf, tone adjusted with different bole colours
• Signature: stamped and individually numbered
• Back: carefully finished and refined
• Mounting: spring clips for secure installation

Customisation

Each frame is made to order and offers a wide range of custom options:

• Bole colour: red, grey, green, or black
• Gold type: 23K, 22K, 12K, 6K, palladium, or silver
• Finish: matte, satin, or gloss
• Glass options: OptiWhite or museum-grade Tru Vue® with anti-reflective coating and 70% UV protection