The Secret Lives of Frames: One Hundred Years of Art and Artistry

This book has quite a few good things going. The idea that there were Masters of picture frame construction is wonderful, and the pictures in the book show that. These days it's all pretty much fake or factory. Then, it was man putting his magic energy, focusing it on art-display. The book also shows the history of the family involved, which is really good. It exposes a style of life that New YOrk City, and others, supported during those years, where attention to design, and so-called "fine art" was a real thing, and people on that level would live their entire adult lives around color, shape, paintings, and gold-leaf frames. Modern life is just that: we build a world to live in, and decorate it. People with talent, and faith, devote their lives to acheiving the best. this book reveals it through the window of the pictures, the rooms, and the frames. That is the beauty of dealing with antique things: you see the energy we humans devote to something when we feel it is worthy: furniture, paintings, frames, metal work, pocket-knives...things like that. Amazing.Well, there you have it. This book will get you into a world that you may never have seen before, on a level of craft and visual art that is rare. Where can you buy a Newcomb-Macklin frame now?

This is a terrific book. I got it from the library and then decided to purchase it. The pictures are fantastic and the narrative is very readable. I really was looking for a how-to book to repair and refurbish antique frames. This book does have some pictures to show the process experts go through to do this but it does not provide step-by-step instructions on how to do the renovation work. But that is not the intent of the book. It is a history of the Lowey frame shop in NYC. It is a fascinating story highlighted with beautiful full color pictures of some wonderful frames.

A great book showing fine examples of frames and great stories about how they were acquired. Just plenty of good stuff here. I saw the Lowy exhibition of frames in Butler Institute during 2007 soon after getting the book. This volume is not an exhibition catalog, but rather a monograph and testament to the quality of frames held by and services rendered by Lowy.

I purchased this book to better understand and appreciate frames. I was not disappointed! The book starts with a general description of what is involved in making a gesso frame. With photographs to illustrate the process, it is a wonderful tutorial on how high quality picture frames are constructed. The remainder of the book is full of great pictures of antique picture frames and how they are used to enhance the art they surround. The book is a visual feast. I highly recommend it.

This is a good combination of a coffee table book and a good reading book.

This book is what I was looking for. Outstanding photos of the great European frame makers work, skills and talent.The book arrived in a properly sized package and was in excellent condition.

Just what I needed as an Art Museum docent. Frames are unique and THE hot topic of the moment. This is a great supplement to the books from N. Penney.

Very interesting book to read.