Customer Reviews

The Secret Lives of Frames: One Hundred Years of Art and Artistry

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this book as a gift for my husband, whose family has been in the picture frame business for over 40 years. I really bought it for the photographs, which are truly outstanding. They illustrate the beautiful, hand-carved frames of long ago, when gold truly meant genuine gold leaf. This book is almost a history of frame-making.

I purchased this book to better understand and appreciate frames. I was not disappointed! The book starts with a general description of what is involved in making a gesso frame. With photographs to illustrate the process, it is a wonderful tutorial on how high quality picture frames are constructed. The remainder of the book is full of great pictures of antique picture frames and how they are used to enhance the art they surround. The book is a visual feast. I highly recommend it.

Not many people would see this as a great book, But if your into craftsmanship or framing you can not go wrong. This was a companion book to a frame ehibition that toured museums in the U S, I saw it in Norfolk Va. and immediately got the book. As Ferris says "If you have the means I highly recomend it"

As a long time furniture maker and also someone who is making frames, this book has a wealth of photographic history documenting frames from the beginnings of the art movements in Europe and is separated by the styles popularized in the different countries. As a novice carver and gilder, I can really appreciate the craftsmanship shown by the photographs. They're both inspiration and intimidation!