Paul Mitchell

Paul Mitchell Ltd aims to optimise the presentation of a painting by judicious frame selection. The company's extensive inventory from the 15th to the 20th century, comprises Italian, Spanish, French, British and North European frames. Together with past records, these provide clients with a wide selection from which they can choose an original or commission a high quality handmade replica frame, made by master craftsmen.

We provide appraisals of frames on individual works and whole collections both private and public, describing period, nationality, quality, condition and suitability. Important frames are highlighted including pictures which could be improved by reframing. A client's picture may most easily be viewed in different frames using computer-generated montages, or by physically standing the painting in successive frames, or both.

Availability or size may restrict the use of antique frames. In our workshops close to London, using traditional techniques we make frames to any specification, as well as altering and restoring antique frames. Our expert carvers, gilders and cabinet-makers create the highest quality replica frames of all periods and finishes - from the simplest to the most ornamental.

Case study A - Making a hand carved replica of a rare Florentine 16th century Mannerist frame from a period original for "Madonna and Child" by Andrea del Sarto. In 2014 Paul Mitchell Ltd were consulted by The Museum of Western European Art in Tokyo to re-frame their Madonna and Child by the Florentine Mannerist artist Andrea del Sarto (1486-1530).

Case study B - Reproducing a Venetian 18th century frame from a period original for: 'The Grand Canal in Venice from Palazzo Flaginito Campo San Marcuola', c.1738 by Canaletto. This magnificent Canaletto sold at Sotheby's was in an incongruous Baroque 17th century frame (above) that was clearly an out-of-period mismatch.