blondel frames — a classic that never dates
Přísečná near Český Krumlov · 25 min from Č. Budějovice · Free consultation
what's involved
Some works call for a frame that escorts them with grace — not just a strip of moulding around the edge. The Blondel frame is exactly that: richly profiled, finished in gold or silver, a companion that lends an oil painting, portrait or old print real weight and dignity. The wrong frame can drag even a beautiful painting down; the right one elevates it. We choose from hundreds of Blondel profiles by Larson-Juhl — from gently patinated to grand and wide — and build every frame by hand, with precise mitred corners and conservation mounting beneath the surface. Thirty years, third generation of framers.
what you get
Real patina, never imitation
Hundreds of Larson-Juhl Blondel profiles with hand-applied gold, silver and patina. A finish mass production never matches — and you'll see the difference at a glance.
Corners that hold for decades
A Blondel frame lives or dies on its corners. We cut on a mitre saw to tenths of a millimetre — the join stays invisible for years.
Finished until invisible
Once assembled, we retouch corners and any small flaws by hand. The frame then reads as a single cast piece, not four sticks glued together.
Protection hidden beneath the beauty
Even under a classic finish we work with acid-free materials and reversible mounting. Your piece is safeguarded, not just decorated.
Tailored to antiques
For older oil paintings and family portraits we match the frame's style and proportions to the era of the work. It looks as if they had always belonged together.
See the result first
We hold the samples right against your piece. You decide on the real thing, not a catalogue photo — and we only start building once you're happy.
how it works
Bring your piece to the workshop in Přísečná near Český Krumlov, or send a photo with dimensions. We'll discuss the style, the era and the space it's going to — no obligation.
We select a Blondel profile from the Larson-Juhl catalogue. We hold the samples right against the work so you see the exact colour and proportions.
We build the frame by hand to measure — precise cut, assembly, corner retouching. The piece is mounted with conservation techniques.
Collect your finished work, or we'll deliver it. For larger formats we handle installation too — even the 25 minutes to České Budějovice is no distance for us.
25 min from Budějovice
In Přísečná you'll find a choice of 1,000+ Larson-Juhl profiles, museum-grade standards and a personal, unhurried approach. The consultation is free.
questions and answers
Which works suit a Blondel frame?
Mainly oil paintings, portraits, older prints and pieces with a classic character. But don't shy away from pairing one with a modern work — the contrast of an ornate frame and contemporary painting can be striking. We're glad to advise what suits your piece.
What's the difference between a Blondel and a plain frame?
A Blondel frame has a profiled, ornamented surface — often with gold or silver patina and deep relief. A plain frame is minimalist, without ornament. The Blondel lends dignity; the plain frame lets the work read cleanly and modern.
How much does a Blondel frame cost?
It depends on the profile. Simple Blondel frames start at a price similar to quality wooden mouldings; wide ornamented versions cost more. We quote up front and without obligation — you pay for craft and genuine patina, not for an address in the city centre.
How long does a Blondel frame take?
A standard commission takes 7–14 working days. In a hurry? We can arrange an express turnaround by agreement. Tell us your deadline and we'll find a way.
do you have a painting that deserves a classic frame?
Free consultation · 25 min from Č. Budějovice · 1,000+ frame profiles
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