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
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