picture framing

A well framed artwork should last a lifetime and is an investment for many years to come.

Amber Arts offers a bespoke picture framing service, including specialist advise on the conservation of fine art prints and paintings. We all have a background in fine art so offer you personal and unique advice.

framing options and prices

The prices in this section are to be used as as a guideline. When pricing the cost of a frame the general rule is the bigger it is, the more expensive it will be. We provide a free of charge consultation instore to ensure you get the best result and to discuss the many mounting and framing options available.

mountcard colours

Colours will vary when viewed on screens

WHITES (BRIGHT TO IVORY)

OFF WHITES

GREYS

BLUES

GREENS

PINK, RED & PURPLE

BROWN & BLACKS

Hand Stained

Hand Stained Light Grey on Box AshHand Stained Light Grey on Box Ash

LIGHT GREY ON ASH

Hand Stained Light Jacobean on Box AshHand Stained Light Jacobean on Box Ash

LIGHT JACOBEAN ON ASH

Hand Stained Dark Grey on Box AshHand Stained Dark Grey on Box Ash

DARK GREY ON ASH

Hand Stained Iroko on Box AshHand Stained Iroko on Box Ash

IROKO ON ASH

Light Walnut on AshLight Walnut on Ash

LIGHT WALNUT ON ASH

Dark Walnut on AshDark Walnut on Ash

DARK WALNUT ON ASH

Hand Stained Mahogony on Box AshHand Stained Mahogony on Box Ash

MAHOGANY ON ASH

Hand Stained Dark Jacobean on Box AshHand Stained Dark Jacobean on Box Ash

DARK JACOBEAN ON ASH

Hand Painted

Hand Painted Wimbourne White on Box ObecheHand Painted Wimbourne White on Box Obeche

WIMBOURNE WHITE

Hand Painted Slipper Satin on Box ObecheHand Painted Slipper Satin on Box Obeche

SLIPPER SATIN

Hand Painted Off White on Box ObecheHand Painted Off White on Box Obeche

OFF WHITE

Hand Painted Stoney Ground on Box ObecheHand Painted Stoney Ground on Box Obeche

STONEY GROUND

Hand Painted Hardwick White on Box ObecheHand Painted Hardwick White on Box Obeche

HARDWICK WHITE

Hand Painted Downpipe on Box ObecheHand Painted Downpipe on Box Obeche

DOWNPIPE

Hand Painted Hague Blue on Box ObecheHand Painted Hague Blue on Box Obeche

HAGUE BLUE

Hand Painted Paprika on Box ObecheHand Painted Paprika on Box Obeche

PAPRIKA

Hand Painted Moss Green on Box ObecheHand Painted Moss Green on Box Obeche

MOSS GREEN

Hand Painted Black on Box AshHand Painted Black on Box Ash

BLACK

Hand Painted Victorian Gold on Box ObecheHand Painted Victorian Gold on Box Obeche

VICTORIAN GOLD

SELECTED RAW, UNFINISHED FRAMES

THIN ASH CUSHION

MINI BOX

FLAT OAK CUSHION

MEDIUM OAK CUSHION

A36 0AK

BOX OAK

WIDE OAK CUSHION

ASH REVERSE

MEDIUM SCOOP

ORNATE REVERSE

LARGE OBECHE REVERSE

Selected Pre-Finished Frames

THIN IVORY GOLD CUSHION

DISTRESSED GOLD FLAT CUBE

SMALL GOLD BOX

GOLD BOX 1

LARGE DISTRESSED GOLD CUSHION

SMALL SILVER CUSHION

SATIN SILVER CUSHION

SILVER BOX 3

VERY THIN BLACK

FLAT BLACK EGGSHELL

BLACK CUSHION

Lime Waxed

Lime Wax on Box OakLime Wax on Box Oak

LIGHT LIME ON BOX OAK

Lime Wax on Box AshLime Wax on Box Ash

LIME WAX ON ASH

Lime Wax on Box ObecheLime Wax on Box Obeche

LIME WAX ON OBECHE

For any questions regarding our framing options above, don’t hesitate to contact us!

what parts make up a picture frame?

  • The frame

    The frame is there to protect your artwork from damage but just as important is that the frame enhances and emphasises your artwork -becoming integral to the art itself.
    We make all of our frames onsite using traditional techniques and equiptment. We provide hand painted, hand stained and various other custom finishes.

    The timber used in our frames is sustainably sourced and of the highest quality. We believe a picture frame should last a lifetime so do not stock MDF or plastic frames.

  • The Mount

    Sometimes called the ‘passe partout’ the purpose of this is, as with the frame, is to protect and enhance.
    The most basic (and cheapest) way to frame an artwork is to put it in a frame with the glass sitting flat against the artwork. This can be fine, and in some cases can be the best option, however there is often a build up of condensation that occurs with the natural rise and fall of temperatures within the home.
    This condensation will eventually lead to a buildup of mould (called foxing) which will damage your artwork and require a special bleaching technique to be conducted by a qualified conservator. This is specialist work and comes at a price!
    Generally, if something is precious to you in any way it is better to protect the artwork with a mount (the glass makes contact with the mount and not the artwork) rather than having to repair damage caused by foxing. It is better to protect than repair.
    We are happy to advise you on different options regarding colours and the different types of mounting available.

What to expect in your free consultation

  • establish what is important to you

    It is your artwork and your frame so there is no point in us making suggestions and advising you on best conservation practices if it isn’t something that right for you. So its important we have a brief chat about what it is you want and expect.

  • discuss mount options and colours

    There are several options with regards to mounting and each type is typically best suited to different artworks. ie an etching in good condition with a nice decled edge would probably suit float mounting. Alternatively photographs tend to suit window mounts. There are no hard and fast rules though.

  • Choosing frame shape, style and finish

    Look at different frames in various styles made of different types of wood. As part of this stage we would discuss not only shape but finish. ie Painted, stained, waxed, pre-finished or natural.

  • bring it all together

    We will tell you the cost, time to completion and any further information. Our normal waiting times are 2 weeks. Typically if you want something really big or really unusual it may be longer, but we will do our best to be fast as possible.

Most of the framing options we have available start life as a natural timber. We stain, wax or paint the frames to your specific requirements, including matching colour. This means we can offer you the exact finish you want on the exact frame you choose. Unfortunately we cant do everything, despite our best efforts, so we also carry a large range of pre-finished frames for you to choose from.

The Most Used Woods in Framing

Ash

Strength and Durability
81%
Attractiveness of the Grain
89%
Price
79%
Best Finish
Staining or Natural

Oak

Strength and Durability
93%
Attractiveness of the Grain
92%
Price
90%
Best Finish
Natural

Obeche

Strength and Durability
68%
Attractiveness of the Grain
49%
Price
55%
Best Finish
Painted