The frame is the sentence the painting is spoken in.
How we frame, and how to live with an old painting in a hot climate.
Our Frame Edit is deliberately small: antique gilt for pieces with age worth announcing, blackened oak for portraits and works on paper, natural ash for anything mid-century and original frames restored where they are the point.
Where a frame can be saved, it is saved. We would always rather repair an old moulding than order a new one and we keep the frames we cannot use for the pieces that come later.
Hanging: centre the piece at around 145 to 150cm from the floor to its middle. Over furniture, leave 15 to 20cm of breathing room above the back of a sofa or console.
Light: keep oils and especially works on paper out of direct sun. Dubai light is beautiful and merciless, so a north-facing wall or a well-shaded room will add decades.
Climate: avoid hanging directly under or opposite an air-conditioning vent, where the temperature swing can stress old canvas. Dust with a dry, soft brush only. Never use water, spray or cleaning products on a painting or a gilt frame.
Anything you are unsure about, message us. We would far rather advise you than see a piece damaged.
Objects worth finding. For homes that tell stories.