The cost of a frame is very often dictated by the way in which it is finished. For example, water gilding takes four times longer to complete than a simple wood stain. Gesso and paint work is also more time consuming. Therefore, finishing the same shaped and sized frame can amount to a variety of different costs. Here are some examples of frame/finish costing:

1) A half inch to 2 inch water gilded frame would cost from £15 per foot (incl. VAT) to £40 per foot.

2) A painted and glided frame with similar measurements can range from £12 to £30 per foot.

3) A frame covered in burr veneer with gilding on the sight edge may be a similar cost to a painted and gilded frame. This depends on the quality of the veneer and the amount of gilding.

4) An ornate frame such as a Louis XIV style frame can range from £80 to £150 per foot (incl. VAT). This is one of the most decorative frames. There are frames with simpler rows of ornementation or some with ornate corners and centres only and so on.

5) Carving is extremely lengthy and skilled work. recent Bourlet commissions include:

- Mirrors. A chippendale mirror to make up a pair.
- Fireplace surrounds. Again a Georgian fireplace was carved required to make up a pair. It was then given a marbelised paint finish.
- An intricately carved Louis XIVth frame. 80" x 59" / 203 cm x 150 cm

If you would like to have some frame suggestions and a cost estijmate for your picture and do not live close to london, please send us a photograph by post or e-mail. We can then send you photographs of possible designs with our estimate. (Please remember to provide us with your home address if you would like us to send you hard copies of these designs by post)