Lavinia Frame was born of an irrepressible aesthetic sensibility and a desire to curate and share a collection of beautiful picture frames.

The collection began in Notting Hill where I lived in my thirties, surrounded by a heady mix of art and culture. I purchased a pair of frames by Émile Bouche from the dreamiest dealership imaginable, blocks from the inimitable Portobello Road. Bouche was a French frame maker from the Paris School in the first half of the 20th century, making frames for Picasso and other artists of the Montparnasse circle. I was intoxicated to hold an object that was crafted in such a pivotal period of art history, my delight compounded when I found a little Picasso portrait in a Bouche frame at the MoMA.  

Lavinia Frame offers quality, handmade picture frames from the 18th to 20th century, with a focus on frames from England and France. Dating from the 1950s and before, our frames are selected for their character and patina and are softened by the imperfections brought about over time. 

Each frame has an intrinsic story, from its place in art history, to the name of the frame-maker, the artist who was invested in how their work would be presented, and the collectors or patrons who lived with the work.

Artwork

Lavinia Frame works with artists, collectors and designers in New Zealand. We offer unique frames that bring an additional spirit to the artwork housed within them. The artwork featured on this site is original and contemporary by a practising NZ-based British artist.

Artwork shown on the site is available for purchase. Works are not fitted to the frames but are the correct size for the frame they are photographed in. Each listing shows: 

a) the price of the frame by itself. 

b) the price of the frame plus artwork, including the cost of fitting the work. There will be a time period between purchase and fulfilment for fitting to take place.

We also have some vintage or antique works that seem destined to remain in their frames, this is indicated on relevant listings.

how to purchase

Contact Melanie to enquire about a frame or framed artwork, viewing can be arranged by appointment.

+64 (0)21 0843 7823        info@laviniaframe.co.nz

Collection is available from Remuera, Auckland. Postage is additional based on size and weight.

Please note that photography is as indicative as possible but that images vary in appearance on different screens.

About Melanie

Melanie has a sharp eye for detail, honed by a lifetime of exposure to fine art and antiques, and a career in the visual arts.

After gaining a masters degree in Architecture, Melanie lived first in Manhattan and then London, working as an artist in high-end visual effects. She spent as much time as possible in art galleries from public institutions, avant-garde commercial galleries and fairs to underground art collectives.

Alongside her career in visual effects, she pursued her interest in art through study at Sotheby’s Institute of Art, establishing a pop-up gallery in London and extensive travel in Europe.