Frames & Framing:

Custom Framing Services

The test of a frame is how well it suits the picture. While sound craft is indispensable to good framing — a picture can only be well-framed if it's in a well-made frame — suitable design is equally important. Because custom framing involves careful and subtle considerations as to color, proportion and form, the ideal arrangement is for you bring your pictures to the showroom where we can meet personally and work together to design framing. Alternatively, many customers send me their artwork; I routinely provide custom framing by mail, telephone and email correspondence. I also often provide framing design based on images sent by mail or email. While the website offers many ideas, many more frame designs are displayed at the showroom and gallery, and I am constantly developing new ones as well. Because our capacities are unlimited, we’re able to provide completely individualized framing — a setting in perfect sympathy with, and unique as, your picture.

How much does it cost? Prices reflect the fact that these are hand-crafted, solid hardwood frames — not cheap, but generally far more enduring and a far better value than the standard fare of the framing industry. In addition, whereas many frame shops lead customers to an overblown presentation, I take a very economical, restrained and self-effacing approach to design that aims at timelessness.

Whether it's a treasured family photo, a certificate or a historically significant oil painting, you'll find our direct and no-nonsense design, combined with beautiful wood and craftsmanship, a refreshing alternative to conventional frame shops. Your inquiries are always welcome — or 800/250-5277.
- Timothy Holton

View our portfolio of custom framing

With more than 30 years of framing experience, Timothy Holton takes pride in his expertise as a complete designer of framing, working with each customer to choose the best coloring and proportion for mat and frame, and designing a frame that will protect the picture while serving it beautifully as an enhancement and accompaniment. By coming to the studio, where we can meet you and look at the artwork, mat and frame samples all together, you benefit most from our design expertise. You are also able to see our work in person and use the hundreds of frame samples — including many designs not viewable online — to select the right frame for you. And with the artwork in front of us, we can refine our designs and even develop new ones specifically for your picture. You’ll also draw inspiration from the framed artwork on display.

Even if you’re only in town on a visit, bring your artwork, and when your job’s complete we’ll ship it to you. Alternatively, you’re welcome to send us your artwork to frame. While it obviously minimizes your participation in the design process, we’re happy to serve you in this way as well.

Care and Handling of Artwork Left With Us

Your artwork will be in the hands of experienced professional framers, accustomed to the demands and expectations of an intelligent clientele — artists, galleries, museums and serious collectors. We are skilled in the proper handling of valuable artwork and contemporary archival framing techniques. Archival materials and framing methods are provided, and we supply ultraviolet filtering glass (or acrylic, when appropriate) for items vulnerable to u.v. exposure.

Holton Studio Frame-Makers is fully insured.

Below: our showroom in Emeryville, California:

View photos of our showroom »