GALLERIES PRESENT

THE REn WickS
frame collection

9 EXCLUSIVE PROFILES. 10 HANDCRAFTED FINISHES.5 ARTISTIC LINERS.

The Ren Wicks Collection of Finished Corner Frames offers a framing aesthetic of unparalleled sophistication. Created for the most discriminating homeowner by Armand Lee & Company of Chicago, these exclusive profiles are handcrafted works of art in themselves, suited for modern, transitional and traditional interior designs.

10 DIFFERENT FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE FOR EACH REN WICKS COLLECTION PROFILE

GALLOWAY

The transitional GALLOWAY is a 5" wide reverse profile, so named because of its orientation reversing away from the wall. Its reeded molding design is inspired by the famous American artist James McNeil Whistler in the late 1800's. The GALLOWAY is well suited for traditional landscapes, seascapes, and figurative images.

The GALLOWAY corner section shown here is finished in 3 3/8" 22K gold leaf squares overlaying a blue bolle clay (Finish #11). The blue color shows through the gold leaf, giving it a cool tone. Rottenstone powder has been applied to create the patina that an authentic period frame would reflect.

MANHATTAN

The transitional MANHATTAN is a 5 1/4" wide reverse crown profile, so named because of its orientation reversing away from the wall. The frame crests in a multi-level crown providing an age-old flare, however the appearance of the frame is ultimately stylistically neutral. The "period feel" of the frame may vary according to finish choices. A 22K Antique Gold, for example, would lend the frame a more traditional elegance, while Cosmos Black Waxed Lacquer lends a sleeker panache.

The MANHATTAN corner section shown here is finished in Cosmos Black Waxed Lacquer (Finish #23.) The rich, glossy jet black finish is hand-polished to brilliant perfection.

CLARIDGE

The transitional CLARIDGE is a 5" wide bold profile. The crown shape is like a cap on the outside that scoops in. The form and finish bridge stylistic venues from traditional to contemporary. The full, round body lends an understated Spanish flare that is subtle enough to meld gracefully with a multitude of images.

The CLARIDGE corner section shown here is finished with a combination of Aubergine Lacquer (Finish # 20) and a 12K Burnished White Gold (Finish # 12). The frame is primed in age-old natural gesso, onto which a delicate texture is built-up through layering, and finally a light dusting of rottenstone powder in a complex technique that creates a finely-textured skin. The lip is a smooth and luminous 12K gold, brightening up the overall impression.

ASTOR

The transitional ASTOR is a 4 1/2" wide wedge profile, so named because of its orientation that scoops forward in plane. In Burnished 12 Karat Gold it can span from stylistically traditional to modern. It may take on various personalities based on finish modifications. The ASTOR could suit a Hudson River School painting as fittingly as it would a Cubist work.

The ASTOR corner section shown here is finished in 12K Burnished Gold overlaying a black bolle clay (Finish #12). The black color is visible in subtle glimpses, slightly "grounding" the luminosity of the finish.

DUNSMUIR

The transitional DUNSMUIR is a 4 1/2" reverse profile, so named because of its orientation reversing away from the wall. The DUNSMUIR speaks of refined elegance and sophistication. It is appropriate in rooms for "black tie" affairs. Its neutrality lends possibility to a wide variety of finishes.

The DUNSMUIR corner section shown here is finished in 12K burnished gold leaf squares overlaying a black bolle clay (Finish #12). The black color is visible in subtle glimpses, "grounding" the luminosity of the finish.

CHANDLER

The transitional CHANDLER is a 4 1/2" inward stepped profile, so named because of its level planes. Its subtle vertical lines are an artistic exploration of architectural and ornamental detail common to the Art Deco period. It is suitable for period d©cor or modern eclectic rooms with ambiguous reference to an earlier age.

The CHANDLER corner section shown here is a combination finish of Tente Olive Waxed Lacquer (Finish # 21) and silver metal leaf (Finish #40). The richly smooth darkness of the outer frame is highlighted by the smooth olive lacquer that appears around the edges, drawing subtle attention to the delicate lines of the profile. The silver metal leaf lip softly "lightens" the frame, while lending gentle contrast.

MORI

The modern MORI is a 5" wide reverse, raised lip profile, so named because of its orientation reversing away from the wall. Its powerful yet simple lines make it appropriate in dynamic and expansive spaces. The MORI suits contemporary works and photographs.

The MORI corner section shown here is finished in Terrene Cinnabar Waxed Lacquer (Finish #22). The soft-sheened lacquer is highlighted around the edges by the underlying Soft Cinnabar Red, lending a subtle complexity to this powerful modern profile.

5 ARTISTIC LINERS TO CHOOSE FROM

Black Linen Liner	Gray Linen Liner	White Linen Liner
Finish #40 Silver Metal Leaf Liner	Finish #42 Gold Metal Leaf Liner

10 DIFFERENT FINISHES ARE AVAILABLE

Finish #10 22K Gold - Antique 3 3/8" 22K gold leaf squares overlaying a combination of traditional red and black bolle clay. The red and black color shows through the gold leaf, giving it a warm neutral tone. Rottenstone powder is applied to create the authentic period frame patina.	Finish #11 22K Gold - Blue Clay 3 3/8" 22K gold leaf squares overlaying a blue bolle clay. The blue color shows through the gold leaf, giving it a cool tone. Rottenstone powder has been applied to create the patina that an authentic period frame would reflect.
Finish #12 12K White Gold - Burnished 3 3/8" 12K burnished gold leaf squares overlaying a black bolle clay. The black color is visible in subtle glimpses, "grounding" the luminosity of the finish.	Finish #20 Aubergine Lacquer Age-old natural gesso primes the frame, upon which a delicate texture is built up through layering, and finally a light dusting of rottenstone powder in a complex technique that creates a finelytextured skin.
Finish #22 Terrene Cinnabar Waxed Lacquer The soft-sheened lacquer is highlighted around the edges by the underlying Soft Cinnabar Red, lending a subtle complexity.	Finish #23 Cosmos Black Waxed Lacquer The rich, glossy jet black finish is hand-polished to brilliant perfection.
Finish #21 Tente Olive Waxed Lacquer Soft-sheened lacquer is highlighted around the edges by the underlying soft olive lacquer that appears around the edges, drawing attention to the lines of the profile.	Finish #30 Cerused & Waxed Oak The graceful grain of the oak is accentuated with a delicatetone. The overall finish is the result of hand-applied wax. The finish is standard on the ASPEN, and custom for other profiles. Call for quote.
Finish #40 Silver Metal Leaf 5 1/2" squares of silver metal leaf are delicately applied to the frame, smoothed, polished and lightly toned to create a luminous, even silver finish.	Finish #42 Gold Metal Leaf 5 1/2" squares of gold metal leaf are delicately applied to the frame, smoothed, polished and lightly toned to create a luminous, even gold finish.

ASPEN

The modern ASPEN is a 4 1/2" wide flat profile. Its simplicity is appropriate for spaces that command rustic yet sophisticated charm. Its simple unpretentiousness works particularly well with still life, landscape, or animal portraiture. It combines beautifully with cabinetry in a variety of the available finishes. In other finishes, the ASPEN takes on a distinctly modern edge.

The ASPEN corner section shown here is finished Cerused & Waxed Oak (Finish # 30). The graceful grain of the oak is accentuated by a delicate tone, while the overall feel of the finish is still supple due to the hand-applied wax, which is polished to luminous exactness. If another finish is selected the ASPEN, the frame would be made from basswood.

BARCLAY

The traditional BARCLAY is a 4 1/2" wide scoop profile, named for its incurving shape. It has been used for centuries in the picture framing industry, and is sighted in fine art museums around the world. Altogether neutral, the BARCLAY harmonizes agreeably with any number of images, but most definitely to period works.

The BARCLAY corner section shown here is finished in 4 1/2" 22K gold leaf squares overlaying a combination of traditional red and black bolle clay (Finish #10), lending a moderately warm tone. The red and black color shows through the gold leaf, giving it a neutrally warm tone. Rottenstone powder has been applied to create the patina that an authentic period frame would reflect.

Through the ages, the picture frame has embodied a unique combination of practical function and artistic statement. The frame surrounds and contains the art that is an illusionistic world into which one can venture, both representing reality and removing us from it.

Picture frames are now recognized as works of art in themselves as demonstrated by the permanent displays of empty frames in Paris at the Muse des Arts Decoratifs, at the Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto and the Reeves Collection in the Museum of Fine Arts in Dallas.

The Ren Wicks Frame Collection offers the discriminating homeowner a more sophisticated framing aesthetic for traditional, transitional and contemporary interior design. These 9 exclusive finished corner profiles are hand-made by Armand Lee & Company in Chicago, where skilled artisans have used authentic, time-proven techniques and materials for more than 60 years. www.armandlee.com

What makes finished corner frames worth the investment?

By definition, a "finished corner" frame is glued, joined, and filled before finishes are applied. Finished corner frames have no seams or angled cut marks (miters) at the corners. Extensive priming, base coat applications, and hand sanding take place before any chosen finish is applied. Desired patinas are achieved by rubbing, toning or antiquing by hand.

The Ren Wicks Frame Collection of 9 exclusive profiles is available in any one of 10 distinctive finishes. These include variations of karat and metal leaf, lacquer and furniture finishes. Different finishes can be brought together, as shown on the CLARIDGE and CHANDLER corner sections, a combination of furniture, lacquer and metal leaf finishes.

Here is how a finished corner frame is made?

Step 1: When the desired profile, finish and species of wood have been selected, an 8' to 9' length of the unfinished profile is milled.
Step 2: The top, bottom and side pieces are cut from this single piece, then mitered (cut) to their proper size at a 45 degree angle.
Step 3: The mitered pieces are assembled -biscuit joined, clamped, splined, and / or underpinned - as determined by the width and thickness of the profile. The frame is now in one piece.
Step 4: The corner seams are filled and hand-sanded until the corner seams are no longer visible.
Step 5: The entire frame is sanded and "cleaned up". Appropriate under coatings are applied and again sanded smooth. The frame is now prepared for finishing.
Step 6: The selected finish is applied.

Four distinctly different hand crafted finishes are available: Karat Leaf Finish, the very finest rare precious metal is pounded to a thickness of three millionths of an inch. Using Old World craftsmanship techniques, highly skilled artisans adept at this application apply 3 3/8" x 3 3/8" overlapping squares with a guilding brush to a frame surface which has been coated with gesso and layers of red or blue colored clay. Karat Leaf can be treated with varying materials to achieve desired levels of antique or bright finish as shown in this brochure on the GALLOWAY, BARKLEY, ASTOR, DUNSMUIR and on the lip of the CLARIDGE corner samples shown on page 2 and 3.

Metal Leaf Finish is a composite of aluminum and copper, pounded to a similar thickness, created to simulate karat leaf. It is applied with a guilding brush over a lacquer base in overlapping 5 1/2" x 5 1/2" squares, as seen on the silver metalic and gold metalic liners.

The difference between karat leaf and metal leaf is analogous to the difference between a genuine rosewood dashboard and a simulated rosewood dashboard. They are both handcrafted and beautiful, using the same time-honored techniques and attention to detail, but karat leaf is more maluable and has more refractive qualities than metal leaf.

Lacquer Finishes are traditional applied surfaces. Visualize the deep rich painted finishes on a Steinway piano, or on a new Mercedes Benz automobile. The finish may range from a gloss 'piano' finish to a hand-rubbed eggshell finish. Lacquer surfaces are shown on CHANDLER, MORI and MAHATTAN corner samples shown on pages 2 and 3.

Furniture Finishes are applied to carefully selected woods of the finest quality such as walnut, oak and mahogany. These finishes are designed to enhance the grain and color of the wood itself, as shown on the ASPEN and CLARIDGE corner samples. As with lacquer finishes, the depth of the sheen can be manipulated to be gloss, satin or matte.

Patina -"aging" techniques that impart to applied finishes - typically karat and metal leaf, but not limited to these-"time enriched qualities". These qualities are achieved by rubbing, toning or antiquing the finish by hand. Our customer service representatives will describe these techniques, applications and effects in detail and work with you to achieve many desired effects. This process will likely include a sample finish for customer approval.

Depending on size and profile, The Ren Wicks Collection finished corner frames can take up to 60 hours to complete. Custom Profiles and finishes are available in the Ren Wicks Collection. Call our customer service for details.

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