Barbara Fellmann: When framing art becomes the art
Frameworks Berlin was established in 2014 by Claire D’Orsay. They give to old craftsmanship of framing pictures a new dynamic and are inspired by traditional and professional expertise, brave women, unusual materials and new opportunities. Frameworks Berlin works with everything from old doors to wooden floor boards and windows shutters as well as rusted steel profiles. Sustainability is — for them — the starting point of everything they do.
I remember buying my first and only mid-seventies original vintage poster. I was excited, but two years later it was still hiding in the shipping tube it arrived in. Why? Hanging the picture on the wall, shouldn’t be that difficult. But it was not until I discovered the work of Frameworks Berlin when things finally started to make a bit more sense for me.
Frameworks Berlin creates sustainable, one-of-a-kind frames with professional expertise. They were established by Claire D’Orsay in 2014. Their work is in so many private homes, galleries and museums, hotels, holiday rentals and many more places.
After talking to Barbara Fellmann, who is a freelance architect and a co-owner of Frameworks Berlin, I have learned a lot about picture framing. More than I have ever expected.
Picture framing originates in architecture and more specifically within church life. Murals and reliefs were framed with columns or moldings, so the frame was part of the architecture and was usually made of stone.
Picture framing originates in architecture and more specifically within church life.
During gothic times, large windows became more prevalent, which meant less wall space for paintings and were therefore moved to the church’s interior. For example, the saints surrounding an altar were framed to add stability. Each frame was made by hand and elaborately decorated. Baroque frames — that might seem opulent to us — today were a common practice in the past.
When the Renaissance rolled around, framing moved into the private households of rich families and aristocrats where they could show their pompous, family framed portraits for all guests to see. Frames were now more decorative than architectural — protecting the picture from damage and environmental influences.
During the middle of the 19th century, frames moved from the aristocracy to the common home as they became a mass product, while handmade frames were still considered a luxury product. Taste also began to change: in the early 1920’s simple, less ornamental frames became popular.
While framing has changed over the ages, what is still true today is that a picture can be greatly influenced by the frame it sits in.
The picture can be greatly influenced by the frame.
Framing murals and reliefs is part of the history. Today we are talking about sustainable framing. But what does sustainable framing even mean?
“For us, sustainability means that the frame is built properly, protects the art and can be enjoyed long term. For example, we use steel instead of aluminum because it doesn't bend or break as easily. Sustainable means glass instead of Plexiglas because it doesn't scratch as quickly. Upcycled wood instead of new wood. Handmade instead of Ikea because it simply lasts longer. That is sustainability,” explains Barbara.
“We use steel instead of aluminum because it doesn't bend or break as easily.
Glass instead of Plexiglas because it doesn't scratch as quickly. Upcycled wood instead of new wood.
Handmade instead of Ikea because it simply lasts longer.
That is sustainability.”
One could ask what’s so special about framing, in general? Every frame has four corners so it’s not rocket science, right? But many frame manufactures have their own style coming from different periods and expertise. “The craftsmanship and quality is still the same, but the style, experience and curiosity is what makes Frameworks Berlin stand out,” says Barbara. She adds: “Openness and a fresh perspective gives our work a different approach.”
“We use mostly material from two to three suppliers that we know personally and they know after six years exactly what we need and like. But customers also bring us their own doors or let us know when they see pretty material in their neighborhood.”
“Up until today, I think the most striking material I’ve worked with was the floor boards from a polish chicken farm: the acid from the fecal excrements together with the movement of the chicken’s feet on the wood created a structure that is impossible to imitate,” reveals Barbara and makes me think how cool is that.
“Up until today, I think the most striking material I’ve worked with was the floor boards from a polish chicken farm: the acid from the fecal excrements together with the movement of the chicken’s feet on the wood created a structure that was impossible to imitate.”
Barbara’s knowledge and her passion speak to me and slowly open my eyes. She draws me in and I am seeing things through her lens for a moment. This is so refreshing. Especially, in a world where everyone has a tendency to obliviously follow their own “picture” without listening as well.
Before, when I needed to hang a picture I would just say: “I need a frame, any frame.” I would not give it a seconds thought. Now I do. I became picture frame curious, you could say.
“Frames just don’t help to get your piece of art up on the wall, they also protect it from aging, fading and damage. The quality of framing and used materials also play a big role in the handling of the art,” says Barbara.
When I ask Barbara what people frame the most, she says more and more younger people are buying art, but it doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive. It’s that one piece that is a bit more special or personal to them and gives them the feeling that they need a proper frame. This approach is summed up when Barbara says, “Anything that has a personal value should be properly framed.”
“Anything that has a personal value should be properly framed.”
So if you have a piece of art at home that is close to your heart, but still in its tube or laying around for whatever reason, just like mine. Have it framed. Once you do, think about the craftsmanship and different materials that could be used. Make your frame a bit more special this time.
“I don’t see success as something that comes with a number.”
Frameworks Berlin is a passion but also a business, which has sustainability, diversity and quality at its heart. “Clients that approach us are mostly aware of this. They appreciate and value our perspective and are seeking exactly this authenticity,” shares Barbara.
When you think about business, you usually think in terms of numbers. But I find it way more interesting to focus on the emotions and passions behind the project. So when I asked Barbara the final, more personal question: “If she feels successful?” Her answer made me smile.
“We are a business with responsibilities, but I don’t see success as something that comes with a number. For me, it means that I can and I am able to do something that brings me joy.”