Business Details
33 Years
experience
Custom Picture Framing Services in Berkeley, CA
Founded in 1993 by Timothy Holton, our studio is dedicated to reviving the traditional art of frame-making through meticulous craftsmanship and timeless design. We specialize in handcrafted hardwood frames that harmonize with both historic and contemporary artwork, serving clients locally in Berkeley, CA, and nationwide. Our approach merges the expertise of professional joinery with a deep respect for the Arts and Crafts Movement, ensuring each frame enhances the artwork it surrounds. With decades of experience, we offer unparalleled customization, from mortise-and-tenon joinery to gilded finishes, tailored to individual client needs.Our commitment to quality extends to every detail, whether creating frames for private collections, museums, or our own gallery featuring Northern California landscape paintings. By maintaining traditional woodworking techniques adapted to modern design demands, we provide enduring solutions that bridge art and functionality. Our team of skilled artisans brings a collective passion for craftsmanship, ensuring every project reflects our dedication to excellence and reverence for the craft.
Services
Custom Framing
Ready-Made Frames
Arts & Crafts Mirrors
Online Framing
Gallery Services
Historical Painting Framing
Gilding
Joinery
Wood Selection
Design Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We offer over 30 years of expertise in custom frame-making and Arts and Crafts traditions.
- Our team uses traditional joinery techniques adapted to modern picture framing demands.
- Specializing in period-appropriate frames for historic and contemporary artwork.
- We provide both in-person and online framing services for nationwide accessibility.
- Each frame is handcrafted in solid hardwoods with meticulous attention to detail.
What people say
Exquisite frames
Perfectly matched
Transformed appearance
Superb craftsmanship
Artistic collaboration
Services
Custom Framing
Our custom framing service combines traditional joinery with personalized design to create frames tailored to each artwork's unique needs. We use solid hardwoods like quartersawn white oak and employ techniques such as mortise-and-tenon joints for enduring quality. Clients receive expert guidance in selecting profiles, finishes, and materials that harmonize with both the artwork and its environment.
Ready-Made Frames
Handcrafted ready-made frames offer immediate solutions in standard sizes, crafted from premium woods like walnut and cherry. These frames maintain the same quality as custom pieces but at a lower cost. Ideal for photographs, prints, and smaller artworks requiring durable, aesthetically refined presentation.
Arts & Crafts Mirrors
Specializing in Arts and Crafts-style mirrors with designs ranging from simple to ornate, tailored to complement historic and modern interiors. Frames are available in custom woods and stains, with options for beveled or plain glass. Each piece merges functionality with artisanal craftsmanship.
Historical Framing
Expert restoration and replication of frames for historical paintings, ensuring authenticity through period-appropriate materials and techniques. Services include replacing outdated frames with mission-style or gilded alternatives that respect the artwork's original context while enhancing its visual impact.
Online Framing
Nationwide and international clients can access our expertise via digital consultations, submitting images for tailored framing recommendations. The process includes virtual design reviews, material selection, and secure shipping, ensuring seamless service without compromising quality.
People
Timothy Holton
Founder & Owner
A professional picture framer since 1975, Tim founded Holton Studio in 1993 to revive traditional frame-making. His expertise in Arts and Crafts design and joinery guides the studio's mission to merge artistry with functionality.
Trevor Davis
Master Artisan
Joining in 1998, Trevor specializes in frame design and joinery, blending creative talent with a deep understanding of pictorial arts. His craftsmanship ensures each frame meets the studio's exacting standards for quality and aesthetics.
Sam Edie
Frame Finisher
Sam, a Berkeley native, oversees frame finishing and gilding. With a background in woodworking and digital design, he contributes to both production and the studio's online presence.
Jessie Dunn-Gilbert
Gallery Director
Jessie curates the Holton Studio Gallery, leveraging 30 years of experience in Northern California art circles. Her expertise in historical painting enhances the studio's ability to frame period-specific works.
Avi Shorer
Artisan
Avi handles finishing and assembly, bringing enthusiasm and technical skill from his studies in Japanese woodworking techniques. His attention to detail ensures each frame reflects the studio's commitment to excellence.
Questions
What materials do you use for your frames?
We use solid hardwoods like quartersawn white oak, mahogany, walnut, and cherry, finished with traditional techniques for lasting beauty.
Do you offer online framing services?
Yes, we provide remote consultations and custom framing solutions for clients nationwide and internationally via digital submissions.
Can you frame historical paintings?
Yes, we specialize in period-appropriate frames for historical works, using authentic materials and techniques to preserve their integrity.
What is your turnaround time?
Most orders ship within 2–6 weeks, with complex or large projects requiring additional time to ensure quality.
Do you provide design consultations?
Yes, we offer personalized design guidance to help clients select profiles, woods, and finishes that best complement their artwork.
Videos
Reviews (2)
Isobel Carr
Jan 20, 2021
Report
Their frames are superior to anything you can get elsewhere, and for a very competitive price for custom framing.
Sierra Zephyr Sierra Zephyr
Dec 07, 2019
Report
Superb, beginning, middle and end. A treasure in our midst. Selling future legacy heirlooms, to be enjoyed today.
