What is Bespoke picture framing?

What is Bespoke picture framing?
Bespoke is an old English word, first used in 1583, that describes a conversation between a client and an artisan. That conversation leads to a hand made product that is the desired item for the client. It represents a melding of the minds of the client and the artisan to produce a magical, one of a kind product that reflects the skill of the artisan and the vision of the client.

---

Image courtesy Merriam Webster

Most often the word is used to describe a custom made suit, that flatters the figure and design sense of a distinguished discerning buyer.  In this century, bespoke has come to be used for hand made products that are made to the specifications requested by a patron.

---

Bespoke is a very good description of the process involved in creating this special treatment of the artwork. The desires of the client, combined with the vision and suggested procedures of the artisan framer, create a unique presentation never seen in another home or workspace.
​
​Custom picture framing has always been a bespoke process. The client brings a treasure that they want to preserve and enhance. But it needs to fit in their life in a particular way. The mats need to complement the artwork. The frame needs to safeguard the artwork while complementing the design sense of the client and their home or workspace.

Just as with choosing the details of a custom shirt when you can choose your cuff style, your collar design, the pleats and tucks, as well as the fabric, bespoke picture framing allows almost endless choices to make the design completely yours. Hundreds of mat colors and styles from reverse bevels, 8 ply thickness, gold fillets and painted panels are only a few of the custom treatments. Combine that with thousands of frame possibilities and you begin to see the wide array of solutions there are to any design. 

---

Bespoke is the opposite of being limited to what is available in the big box store across town. ​It is one of life's little pleasures to have a Bespoke picture frame...Like having a custom made suit. Spoil yourself a bit. You won't be sorry.