Every client who visits my studio walks up a staircase lined with family portraits. One of the most noticed is a portrait of my grandfather from his wedding day. It was enhanced with oil paint, displayed in an oval frame, and has hung in the home of one family member or another for nearly a century.
This month marks 100 years since he and my grandmother were married.
A Portrait That Has Lasted Nearly 100 Years
When I look at that portrait, I see my grandfather, of course, looking all handsome and ready to start a new life. I also think about the people who chose to commission it, frame it, preserve it, and give it a place of honor in their homes. Because of their efforts, it still hangs, generations later, where it can be enjoyed every day. Every client who walks up those stairs passes by it, as do I, multiple times a day.
That vintage portrait, and others from that era hanging on my wall, have shaped the way I think about photography. The photographs we treasure most aren’t tucked away on a computer. They’re the ones that become part of our homes and, eventually, part of our family’s history.
Perhaps that’s why I’m drawn to the timeless elegance of oval and circular frames. They don’t belong to any particular decorating trend or moment in time. Instead, the graceful shape suggests elegance and permanence—a quiet confidence that this portrait was made to outlive us.
Introducing New Frames for Heirloom Portraits
With that in mind, I’m delighted to introduce a new collection of handcrafted oval and circular gilded frames for my Heirloom Portrait clients. Available in genuine gold and silver leaf finishes, these frames were created for portraits that deserve to be elevated. The shapes feel both classic and fresh, while the genuine gilded finishes bring a richness and craftsmanship that stands apart. They feel especially suited to the timeless Heirloom Portrait. Their silhouettes have been used for generations, yet the shapes are distinctive choices that are seen less often. Something about these shapes naturally draws attention to the person in the photograph, creating a presentation that feels enduring.
The collection includes two sizes and several image treatments: a softly deckled edge for an artisanal look, traditionally matted in several widths, or presented without a mat for a simple, clean look. Choose the option that best complements your home and the personality of the portrait itself.
Artwork Created for Generations to Come
Like every product I offer, I chose these frames with longevity in mind. They are beautifully made, thoughtfully crafted, and designed to become part of a family’s continuing story.
They are unapologetically luxurious.
These frames represent the highest level of craftsmanship I offer and are designed for those who appreciate exceptional materials, timeless design, and the beauty of owning something that will endure. They are an investment made in artistry, permanence, and the hope that your portrait will one day be enjoyed by children and grandchildren yet to be born.
If you’re considering an Heirloom Portrait session, I’d love to show you these new framing options in person. The genuine finishes, elegant proportions, and remarkable craftsmanship details are something you need to see and touch.
Want to Explore Heirloom Portraits for Your Child?
If you’re new to Heirloom Portraiture, I invite you to explore my Heirloom Portraits page to learn more about the experience. And if you’re looking for inspiration on displaying finished Heirloom Portrait artwork in your home, you might also enjoy reading How to Print, Frame, and Display Your Heirloom Portraits to see all the beautiful options.
Every time I walk past my grandfather’s portrait, I’m reminded that someone made a decision nearly 100 years ago to preserve that moment with care. We never know which portrait will become the one future generations treasure most. We simply create it with the hope that, many decades from now, someone else will pause as they walk by, smile, and feel connected to the family member looking back at them.
I hope these beautiful new oval and circular gilded frames will help today’s portraits become tomorrow’s treasures. Book a call so we can talk about your project.
