A handsome pair of brass photo frames, likely dating from the mid-20th century, with just enough decorative flourish to lift them beyond the ordinary.
Each is formed from broad, mitred brass sections punctuated by four small twisted brass details, appearing almost to wrap themselves around the frame. It’s a pleasing little piece of ornamentation — slightly eccentric, rather sculptural and particularly good against the otherwise straightforward geometry. The brass has been left with its natural aged surface, with spotting, variation and a warm mellow patina throughout.
Both retain their original rust-coloured velvet backs, folding easel stands and small hinged clasps for accessing the photograph. They are a proper pair, which only makes them nicer displayed together.
And perhaps photo frames have become unexpectedly romantic objects. We now take thousands of photographs only to condemn most of them to life inside a small illuminated rectangle in our pockets. These offer the rather radical alternative of choosing two you actually like, printing them out, and putting them somewhere you might wander past and see them in real life.
Useful, decorative and pleasingly old-fashioned.
Details
Date: Circa mid-20th century
Material: Brass, glass and velvet
Design: Mitred brass frames with applied twisted relief detailing
Back: Original rust-coloured velvet with folding easel stands
Quantity: Sold as a pair
Condition
Good vintage condition with attractive age and patination to the brass, including surface marks, spotting and areas of oxidation. Some age-related wear to the velvet backs. The patina has deliberately been retained rather than polished away. Please refer to the photographs for detail.
Dimensions
Height 20.5 cm
Width 20.5 cm
Delivery
Qualifies as a smaller item. UK delivery via insured courier/FedEx at checkout; international shipping available — please get in touch for a quote.
