How do I choose the right frame size?

Consider both the sight size, which is the visible opening, and the overall rebate dimensions to ensure your artwork or mirror sits correctly within the moulding. Take into account the depth of the frame profile, as deeper Victorian mouldings project further from the wall and require adequate surrounding space.

Can I hang an empty antique frame?

Empty antique frames are frequently hung as standalone wall decorations or used to frame mirrors and textiles acquired separately. Ensure the structural joins and hanging hardware on the back are secure before mounting heavier giltwood pieces directly to the wall.

How do I clean a gilt frame?

Dust the surface gently with a soft, dry brush to remove loose particles without disturbing delicate gesso or gold leaf layers. Avoid using water, chemical solvents, or abrasive cloths, as these substances can strip the historic finish from the wooden moulding.

What periods do these frames represent?

The selection includes examples from the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries, alongside early twentieth-century interpretations. Victorian and late nineteenth-century styles dominate the available pieces, reflecting prominent revival movements and decorative tastes of those decades.