An 18th Century carved wood frame, like the previous post and one from a few days ago, it has been cut down in the past to fit a smaller painting. This one has not faired so well over the years! with flaking gesso/gilding, losses to the wood, and the joins are clearly visible. Despite the obvious poor condition, I think a frame like this is the ultimate shabby chic piece. The frame and its appearance really contains a story; it was originally skilfully hand carved and gilded, it has surrounded a number of paintings, it has been cut down in the past to fit a smaller painting, it has been through numerous owners, and all this history is reflected in its current condition and appearance.
With a frame like this, with its heavily distressed and flaking surface, if the customers wish is to just hang it as it is, with or without a painting or mirror, it can be treated to stabilise and reduce the flaking surface. To do this I would treat the entire surface with consolidating adhesive such as traditional size glue, or even better use a conservation adhesive such as Paraloid B72 or Plextol B500. It will then be good for a many more years.
