Reframe: Designing with Giltwood Frames from the MET

Over 50 Lots of Giltwood Frames from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in April’s Thursday Morning at STAIR sale presents an opportunity for bidders to take a piece of this storied art institution home.

On April 10th, Thursday Morning at STAIR will offer dozens of group lots containing giltwood frames that are being deaccessioned from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sold to Benefit the Acquisitions Fund. The notable plethora is a unique opportunity in both design and sentiment, as it may be the most convenient way for enthusiasts to reuse the frames and take a piece of the museum home with them. Ranging in scale from 6 to 60 inches, a crescendo of ornate European frames from Italian Renaissance, Louis XV Style, English, and French to name a few, all await new uses to be repurposed and appreciated.

There is no shortage of ways to design with frames of this caliber, given their inherent elegance and provenance, but, if you’re looking for a starting point, here are some of STAIR’s favorite design options:

1. Frames within Frames

The unique advantage of acquiring one or more of the group lots found in the upcoming sale is the ready-made variety and design potential. Due to their ornate details and grandeur, displaying them to highlight the quality of their carvings, by hanging frames within frames, without anything placed inside them, can make a striking statement.

2. Make it a Mirror

Perhaps the most design-friendly way to repurpose giltwood frames is by making them into a mirror to adorn a wanting wall in much need of character. Moving a mirror plate from a contemporary frame or having one made to suit specific dimensions is a rewarding way to reflect on their beauty day after day.

It’s no secret that these frames were made to house works of art, from the Metropolitan Museum of Art to be exact! Mixing and matching unframed paintings, drawings, or prints to restore these frames back to their former glory of housing works of art, is a very favorable way of installing a little piece of the MET in your own space.

Browse all upcoming giltwood frames from the Metropolitan Museum of Art and register to bid in Thursday Morning at STAIR on April 10th at 10am.

The collection is complemented by an eclectic array of property from various owners and collections. Highlights include a group of frames that were Property from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sold to Benefit the Acquisition fund, property from The Private Collection of Jayne Wrightsman, Property from the Collection of James M. Labaugh Antiques, Pound Ridge, NY, a group of prints by Jacques Villon from the Matisse Family, and a beautiful selection of decorative arts, porcelain and Chinese Export.

GALLERY PREVIEW

Friday, March 28: 9am – 5pm
Saturday, March 29: Closed
Sunday, March 30: Closed
Monday, March 31: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday, April 1: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, April 2: 9am – 5pm
Thursday, April 3: 9am – 5pm
Friday, April 4: 9am – 5pm
Saturday, April 5: 11am – 5pm
Sunday, April 6: Closed
Monday, April 7: 9am – 5pm
Tuesday, April 8: 9am – 5pm
Wednesday, April 9: 9am – 5pm