Shuttleworth Frame

Neoclassical style silver leaf gilded frame on black background with scale in bottom right corner.

Identification

  • Object Type: Gilded Frame 
  • Date: Unknown, possibly 1780, likely later. 
  • Origin: unknown, possibly England or the Netherlands 
  • Owner: Heritage Antiques 
  • Maker: Unknown 
  • Measurements:
    • Length: 108.3 cm
    • Width (outside edge): 79.5 cm
    • Mitre joint length: 8 cm
    • Waterleaf: 0.6 cm x 0.7 cm 
  • Materials: Wood, silver leaf, gesso, Dutch metal 

Summary

This object is possibly a 1780 Georgian frame – neoclassical design, no manufacturing marks, waterleaf decoration gilded with Dutch metal (imitation gold) on the inside. The owner purchased the frame from Clifton House vicarage, where the previous owner collected Dutch artworks – suggesting this frame was possibly manufactured in the Netherlands (alternatively, manufactured in England). XRF indicated a high presence of silver, meaning it was gilded with silver-leaf. 

Behind the Scenes

Neoclassical style silver-leaf gilded frame on black background before treatment with scale in bottom right corner
Frame prior to conservation treatment.
A close-up picture of the bottom corner of a neoclassical silver gilded frame with waterleaf decoration.
Close up of the waterleaf decoration.
Neoclassical style silver leaf gilded frame on black background with scale in bottom right corner.
Frame after conservation treatment.

This frame was treated by Chloe, Erin, Holly and Laurie. Click on their individual profiles to learn more about them.

Note: All images were taken by the conservators unless stated otherwise.

Meet Chloe
Erin, a white woman in her early twenties with long brown hair and glasses. She is looking to her right with a cheerful expression and wearing a light knitted jumper. The photo is in black and white.
Meet Erin
Holly, a white person in their early twenties with shoulder length red hair. She is looking to her right with a slight smile and wearing a grey button up with golden paisley designs. The photo is in black and white.
Meet Holly
Meet Laurie

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