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Chelsea Frames is a jaggernaut of framing located on 9th Avenue in the heart of New York's Chelsea neighborhood. An institution called-upon by residents of the city and further afield, from all over the world, and even by some of the country's top gallerists and museums - this operation has earned a reputation of being the go-to for anyone looking for truly unique and custom framing. We have worked with Chelsea Frames for years and called upon them recently to help us with the framing of a an antique Guinean food storage door, as well as a collection of personal polaroid photos taken at an event in Ireland. Not only did they do the job, as expected, but went above and beyond to be sure the final result was out of this world.
One of the projects at hand was to frame a collection of polaroid photographs taken at an event at Lismore Castle in County Waterford, Ireland. Polaroids, no matter how interesting the content, could be framed in a very boring, nondescript way. But, Chelsea Frames enlisted one of their top framing consultants who helped formulate the idea to place them in various positions to create a more randomized look, and wrapped the design with a glossy black frame with just enough thickness to give the photos room to breathe. The final result was beautiful and attention-grabbing, and was hung just below a framed installation of the deconstructed invitation that was sent for the event - marrying everything beautifully
The second project was to frame a 120-year-old door that was obtained through an antique dealer in the West African nation of Guinea. The door is old and dry, making it very delicate. In Guinea, especially in the mountain communities, these doors were used to cover holes dug in the ground to keep perishable food safe and cool away from the sun. Chelsea Frames evaluated the piece and chose a method of framing that would allow the door to hang, but in a "floating" way - appearing as if it were just suspended in air inside the frame covered with non-reflective museum glass. Brilliant! The team was incredibly careful not to damage the piece, and it was hung in the dining area of the space.
Every detail of both projects were looked after meticulously by the company and its employees.
After the framing was complete, we spoke with co-owner and framing expert Daniel Beauchemin about Chelsea Frames plans for the future.
IC: Chelsea Frames has been a staple in the New York City art world for many years. What is new and interesting about the operation we can share with our readers for 2024?
DB: We just turned 40 last year - July 1983 !! 19 years on 8th avenue at 21st and now almost 22 years on 9th avenue, and we have just renewed our lease for another 10 years and hope to secure another 3500 square feet in our building in the coming year.
Our design team has never been stronger - we've recently added two experienced designers that really round out the team with their experitise.
We also are about to have 5 veteran framing technicians sit their Professional Framer exams. We have been part of this group for almost as long as we exist and boasted the only accredited Professional Framer in NYC. We will be adding 5 to that, which really distinguishes us.
Being an educator myself in the framing Industry for the past 20 years - I teach and lecture and write articles. I am finally embarking on completing two books which I hope will be completed by 2025-2026. In that role I continue also my consulting work to the large manufactures on design trends and needs for the industry.
We have also added an in-house conservation specialist for works on canvas or board. This broadens the services we offer.
IC: How is working with Chelsea Frames different than working with another framing outfit in the city?
DB: I could give the true easy answer and just say its because we really care. That is the bottom line. Our mission clearly states that we must find the "best framing solutions for every piece that is brought to our studio". It's not the cost - it's not trying to be clever - it's finding the BEST SOLUTION. In some cases - its cost - or design or any other concerns but our mission is to find solutions! There are enough complicated things in life - framing should not be one of them. Our team also works closely together to ensure that at any moment any question that arises can de handled.
Our work is also guaranteed for life - that's how much we believe in ourselves and our work.
IC: How do you and your team approach each framing project, such as choosing frame materials, color, style, and other elements?
DB: We always start by asking the client - what are your thoughts? Where will the piece live? is it part of a grouping that will impact the design process. Once we have those elements - we look at what is best for the art and design the work. One design principle we adhere to is that the art is the star - our frames serve a physical need to protect the art and enhance it, but never overpower it. The frame should never be telling its own story - it is the punctuation to to the story the art is presenting to us. When presented with historic work - we pour knowledge of furniture and art periods to help enhance our choices.
IC: You have your own woodworking shop located in your storefront, which is rare. This allows for precise customization. How custom can customers expect their framing to be by utilizing this service?
DB: We are indeed privileged to have our workshop on the premises. The artwork never leaves our studio, which is a safety factor. We are also able to produce rush items - having a stock of raw wood with which to work. Besides thousands of factory made frames (which can all be modified if needed) we are able to work from raw wood and match finishes, sizes and copy any frame that exists. I proudly tell our clients - if I can draw this - we can make it.
IC: Chelsea Frames does a lot of incredible work in the local community. Are there any projects or goals you're spearheading this year?
DB: Our philanthropic work is of the utmost importance. We not only support our local community - including schools and local charities or institutions but work with a number of NYC institutions making sure we help in preserving art. We also have plans to host lectures this year with the two top paper conservators with whom I have worked the last 30 plus years to deepen our knowledge and product awareness.
IC: What has been one of the most exciting projects you've worked on over the past year that you can share with us?
DB: Every project makes us happy - every project teaches us something. We have recently been able to restore some oil paintings and reframe them - they were quite damaged and the client had no expectations - but we were able to repair tears and touch up after cleaning - the results were spectacular.
We also had the privilege of reframing an extensive collection of late 19th early 20th century works - keeping a reference of the period but helping relocate these works from a Manhattan Townhouse to a Hamptons beach house. Respecting the art - the final results were breathtaking in their modernity - yet nod to the past. Many of these will soon be featured on our social media.
