Old ornate picture frames

gecko81

Hi there

I hope I am in the right forum for this request. I am wondering if anyone can direct me to somewhere where I can get my hands on some old ornate picture/mirror frames.

I want to upcycle the frames and use them in my garden as an alternative to trellis. This might sound unusual but I have a large whitewashed wall that is crying out for some colour. I have a vision of hanging old upcycled ornate frames painted an array of bright colours and then training some creepers to grow through them.

If anyone has a tip on where I can pick up some battered or unloved ornate frames (if they are cheap or free, all the better).

Thanks

G81

stcstc

the problem you will have with them is they will rot very very quickly

a lot of ornate frames are wood with a layer of gesso to great the ornaments

with the weather they will fall apart in no time at all

gecko81

hmmm, good point stcstc...

I was planning on painting with weather resistant gloss paint, but perhaps this wouldnt be a long term solution in this country of ours...

Plastic frames would be another option but that would do away with the upcycling idea...

I might try the old frames anyway and see how they survive, so any tips on salvage yards or second hand shops would be very welcome

Layinghen

Why don't you try a local car boot sale? Often people are selling framed pictures and I know a lot of artists who buy them for a few euro just to get the frame.

gecko81

good call Layinghen... Will keep my eyes peeled

Hoof_Hearted

Buckley's auction room in Sandycove is a good spot for cheap old stuff, there are a few auction rooms around the city too I'm sure. I think this is a lovely idea, a good coat of paint and they'll last for years. I've a mirror in a fancy old frame hanging on my stone wall and I love how it looks.

gecko81

Thanks hoof

Great tip, will definitely head down to sandycove for a gander!

Yeah, I think it should look pretty nice, just to achieve it now! Will post a pic whenever I manage to sort it out!

Hoof_Hearted

gecko81 wrote: »

Thanks hoof

Great tip, will definitely head down to sandycove for a gander!

Yeah, I think it should look pretty nice, just to achieve it now! Will post a pic whenever I manage to sort it out!

Just thought - my sis is a picture framer and she often gets old pics to reframe so it might be worth asking a framing place for discarded ones.

mattjack

I worked in an old convent/church a few years ago and during the renovation the religious order brought in an individual to examine their paintings/prints etc.

I got talking to him and he said in some situations the frames themselves were often of great value , with some being manufactured as "one off pieces" often asked for by a specific artist. He commented that occasionally he'd been almost reduced to tears when he saw what some people had done to protect the piece of art and completely disregarded the frame.

stcstc

actually i have 3 or 4 that you can have thinking about it

although i am away till 9th

i am a picture framer and have some that will go to waste other wise

gecko81

Wow stcstc

That would be fantastic! Let me know when you are back in town! There is no rush at all!

Thanks again

stcstc

will b back in my shop on friday 9th

in dun laoghaire