Picture Framing: A Practical Guide from Basic to Baroque

Taking the reader from the construction of a basic wooden frame, through the author's own simple method of reproducing ornate mouldings, to special finishes and colourings, this is a practical guide to picture-framing. Aiming to enable artists, art-lovers and craftsmen to frame their paintings and prints with originality and style, the book encourages a sympathetic response to paintings and images, and an individual approach to each project. Advice is also given on the restoration of damaged frames.

"A well-framed picture on which thought and skill have been lavished should have double the sensual impact of a picture neatly boxed by a competent local framer," writes MacNamara. This beautifully illustrated manual emphasizes more the baroque than the basics of frame design and construction, covering such topics as moulding and mitre cutting for all mouldings; gesso, finishes, and gilding; and making oval, box, floating, tray, lunette, and Georgian print frames. This work was first published in Great Britain in 1986 and has not been "translated" for the American reader. Although recommended tools and materials are undoubtedly available in the United States, brand names may be unfamiliar. This aside, the author provides information on the reproduction and repair of antique and ornamented frames that is hard to find elsewhere. Recommended for subject collections and academic libraries.
Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

MacNamara's guide approaches the subject of creating picture frames by first discussing aesthetic issues, such as how frames have been used historically to complement the paintings they support. Basic construction and mounting techniques are explained, followed by other creative and more challenging objectives. These are methods of mold making and casting used for reproducing ornate antique frames, and also procedures for repairing gilded moldings or utilizing various materials and art media (gesso, epoxy putty, etc.) to create decorative surfaces echoing baroque, rococo, and other period styles of framing. In all, MacNamara provides useful, step-by-step instruction for making picture frames and many ideas for inventive finishes. Alice Joyce