FAMAG 2002.9.19
A twentieth-century reproduction Louis XIV frame, with moulded composition acanthus leaf and flower sprig decoration, fanned lambrequin corners and cartouche foliate centres, small repose, and ribbon-&-stave ornament at sight edge; finished in distressed brown paint to simulate a stripped wooden antique frame; selected by the artist from Green and Stone, London.
About this work
view without frame
Newton, Kenneth (1933-1984): Japonica and brass jug, 1970, signed, oil on canvas, 91.4 x 76.2 cms. The Richard Harris Gift.
More information about the frame
This is one of Newton?s original frames; its proportions and tone are ideally suited to the painting. Like Philip de Laszlo, G. F. Watts and Burne-Jones, Newton would often scour antique shops to acquire old carved wood frames. When these weren?t available he would purchase frames (such as this one) from Green and Stone, artists' materials suppliers and picture framemakers of 259 Kings Road, Chelsea. Green and Stone was first established in Chelsea in 1927 and is said to have been based within the Chenil Gallery. It moved to its current site in 1940 and was run by Mr Alfred Green and his son, also Alfred. The present owner, Rodney Baldwin, joined the company as trainee manager in 1972 and eventually bought the business from the Greens in 1978 (see National Portrait Gallery website, British artists? suppliers: http://www.npg.org.uk/research/programmes/directory-of-suppliers/g.php)
Newton would add the price of a good frame to the price of his painting. This occasionally caused cash flow problems if he did not get payment for his painting promptly. On 8 May 1967 Sir Gerald Kelly wrote: ?I had a little conversation with your frame maker and he has agreed to give you credit for a while, but don?t put expensive frames on your pictures in the future. Meanwhile, he is making a frame for Mrs Godman Irvine and promised to do it as soon as possible, because as soon as it is delivered I will send her your framed picture and she will send you the money for it. I hope you are painting jolly well.?