The Story behind Wooden Picture Frames
October 30th 2010 Posted at Wood Picture Frames, Wooden Picture Frames
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Some one hundred fifty years ago, many photographers did without wooden picture frames. They pasted a photo and its backing on a large piece of cardboard. The cardboard’s edges then formed a border for the photograph of interest. Unfortunately, historical events have separated lovers of photographic objects from such valuable pieces. Consequently, the location of those old cardboard pieces remains unknown, even by the grandson of the photographer who used them.
The frame-lacking practice described above helped to popularize the use of square wooden picture frames. Later, the introduction of oval wooden picture frames led to a new practice, one that called for designation by the framer of scenes that are associated with a special occasion, as opposed to those that show up in everyday photos. The former were put in the newer, the oval-shaped framing objects. The latter retained the straight edged borders.
At every stage of its evolution, the framing process has called for completion of two basic steps. The first involves measurement of the item that needs to be framed. The second calls for preparation of that same object, i.e. the act of putting it on a backing.
Today, a long list of different lumbers provides details on all the tree types used to make the wood segments of a frame. Such a list includes these tree names: oak, walnut, cherry, mahogany and rosewood. Light woods, such as oak can be painted, allowing the creation of colored borders.
While that long list provides customers with a wide selection, it does not insure availability of the perfect size. Within the past thirty plus years, customers have been provided with a way to get around that difficulty. They have found it possible to make their own framing object for a photograph that family members want to see on the wall.
While usually hung on the wall, a frame might border a photograph used at a wedding or memorial service. If a frame’s designated spot happens to be a place where a child could cause it to topple over, then the framer must make sure not to attempt a cover up, i.e. an effort to conceal any of those pictured in that framed photo.