Very high end framing source needed

[Garth Herrick]

Michele, I hope you found a frame source.

In Philadelphia, I highly recommend:
PERAKIS FRAMES 18 S BANK ST PHILADELPHIA, PA 19106-2804 215-627-7700.

They framed the Union League President , which was an abitious custom frame requiring more than a month to build. They can reproduce ANY historic frame you desire. For the right client, they are worth the price. This frame amounted to about $3,600.00. Prices vary widely according to size and complexity.

Another framer I regularly use and recommend for court and private commisions is Mark Palermo, 20 Herman Street, Philadelphia, PA 19144
215 848-7887.

He is exceptionally good. Hand custom built, hand water gilt, closed corners, etc. for a mere fraction of the price.

I am not sure if Carl Laughlin is still active in Bucks County, but he is legendary among artists and collectors for his hand carved original frames. They were always very affordable too. He'd simply pencil in a rough profile on a napkin out of his head, get the chisels flying, and end up with a most tasteful elegant frame. He made the frame for my portrait of Mayor Ed Rendell for Philadelphia City Hall, and I know Nelson Shanks has used his services extensively. Now he's 80, so I think he may be done, unfortunately.

Garth

[Michele Rushworth]

Thanks, everybody, for your suggestions. Margaret Holland Sargent recommended I try Solomon Frames in California: www.solomonframe.com

I ordered a gold frame that is more than 6" wide with very detailed traditional American carving. With their 40% artist discount it will be $3,200 (retail would have been more than $5,000.)

I haven't seen it yet so I'll let you know how it turns out!

[Julie Deane]

Those prices take my breath away! I thought $800 was a lot (recent client).