For those who like "shiny and new," this is not the frame s/he will want. But, for the rest of us, there is plenty to like about this Nineteenth Century frame: its dark, handsome color, its whimsically hand-cut bordering, its functional practicality, even the stern 1880's portrait which sits within the frame. But what I love best about this frame, more than anything else, is the highly-curdled, original finish—still clinging to the wood nearly 150 years after it was applied. The crazed, "alligator" texturing of the finish is, indeed a flaw. But it's a flaw which confirms the age and original bona fides of the piece. A wood finish will not exhibit this wonderful level of curdling without decades (and decades) of age (and being protected from the misguided impulse to re-finish it).
Wood expands and contracts as seasonal moisture enters and leaves the wood cells. Wood tends to swell in the Spring and Summer (when ambient humidity is high) and contract during the Winter (when moisture is sucked-out of the wood). While the wood expands and contracts, the aging finish does not (especially old-time finishes like lacquer and shellac). Some finishes start-out with a bit of elasticity, however, time eventually breaks-down the chemical structure of the finish. Solvents (used to suspend the finish) dry and evaporate slowly over the years. A brittle, dried-out finish (on an ever expanding and contracting piece of wood) will eventually exhibit the telltale signs of craquelure (the crazing which testifies to an old finish). Oxygen, sunlight and fluctuating temperatures also help to degrade the finish.
The photo frame, shown above, was made in the 1880's. It is a small frame, holding a 2.5" x 4" photo. It has a little ring on the back, making it easy to hang on a small nail on the wall. It's the perfect size for "that little spot"—and perfect in its original aged finish. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
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.