"Oxford frames," like the example shown above, became popular in England in the second half of the Nineteenth Century (and, a little later, in America). It refers to the "criss-cross" corner treatment which became associated with "The Oxford Movement" in England. The Oxford Movement was a group of Anglican Protestants (academics at Oxford) who sought the return of many Catholic-style "High Mass" rites and rituals within the Church of England. The crosses on each corner were thought to be especially suitable for framed religious sayings, pictures of saints, or other pictures with religious themes—like images of monasteries, cemeteries or the Holy Land. As the frame style became more popular with the broader public, however, they began to be used for all manner of pictures, irregardless of any religious associations. Aside from any religious aesthetic, some saw them as being elegantly primitive—and sometimes were used when a folk-inspired, "homespun" effect was desired.
Inside the frame above, is displayed an antique wrapper from a skein of Lion Brand "silk-finished" velvet yarn. Lion Brand was founded in 1878 in Carlstadt, New Jersey, by Reuben Blumenthal and a group of other dry goods merchants. They sought to supply the home knitting and crafting market, selling their yarn through general stores, five-and-dimes, and, soon thereafter, through department stores. Initially, all their merchandise was spun in America. In the 1930's however, they began importing yarn from Europe to supplement their American production. Today, nearly 150 years later, Lion Brand is still run by a family member: Adam Blumenthal.
Click on the photo above to learn more about this handsome frame.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.