Company History - Style Selection - The Abe Munn Finish -Ordering
Company History
In 1959, Abraham Munn, framemaker, opened his own shop. After only two decades this one-man operation had grown into a plant employing over fifty people and occupying over 50,000 square feet. Today, Abe Munn Picture Frames, Inc. is framemaker to the world, with orders coming from as far away as Europe, Japan and Australia. Behind this dramatic success story is a consistent company policy set by Mr. Munn himself and scrupulously carried into the present:
"The ultimate in handcrafted workmanship at affordable prices."
Abe emigrated to the United States in 1949, after surviving the Holocaust by escaping Poland in 1939 only to be sent to a Russian work camp in Siberia. After escaping Siberia in the early 1940's he found work in the Russian city of Gorki and after the war he returned to his native city of Lodz in Poland. He then escaped to American Occupied Germany and finally obtained permission to emigrate to the United States. Upon arriving in the US he obtained work as a carver in the well known firm of Julius Lowy Frame Co., which still exists today. In 1951 he helped start APF Master Framemakers, but left in 1957 to return to Lowy, were he stayed for one year. In 1958 he started his own company and Incorporated in 1959.
When the company began, its sole product was unfinished (Gesso) mouldings, some of which were carved into simulated antique frames. Four years later the original space was doubled, additional craftsmen were hired and specialty products began to be added to the principal line of unfinished mouldings. During the more than forty years that Abe Munn Picture Frames has been in business, the procedures of style selection, milling and preparation, and finishing have remained virtually unchanged. Our antique reproductions are crafted in accordance with the highest regard for historical and aesthetic accuracy. However we are regularly requested to produce length mouldings and frames to suit custom requirements. We utilize a diverse array of methods, both traditional and modern, to accommodate the nuances of our vast product line. The picture framing industry has improved and become more sophisticated over the past forty years and we are proud to have been instrumental in that growth. We still enjoy partnerships with many clients from those early years because they believe (as we do) that taste will always return to the classic and that quality craftsmanship will never go out of style.
In July of 2004, Abe Munn Picture Frames was acquired by APF Master Framemakers, to form APF-Munn Master Framemakers, APF is renowned for museum quality custom framing as well as substantial framing projects for better designers. In our new
larger facility in Mount Vernon, NY, we will continue to provide all of your custom framing and length moulding needs. In addition,
you now have an expanded collection of profiles available to choose from in the APF line.
Please visit the APF website at www.apfgroup.com or click into the site from the Abe Munn home page. The retail price list is located under "Frames". Please click the words on the upper right portion of the screen.
We welcome your comments, suggestions, and corrections but most of all we thank you for your support in helping us become one of the most respected names in this industry.
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Style Selection
Our styles are modeled from confirmed historical origins. We use many different techiniques to achieve our goal of historical accuracy. Often, we will create our patterns for production from the original antique frame or a section of an antique frame. This process is enhanced by our relationships with the finest and largest dealers of antique frames in the world, which gains us access to hundreds of antique frames for our study. When necessary, we will refer to photographs (or in some cases the renderings from the original frame guilds) in order to derive accurate detail and proportion.
Milling:
There are numerous methods employed in rendering our frames and moulding. Each method chosen is largely dependent upon the original manufacturing processes.
Wood Selection:
We use primarily Basswood (Linden) for most of our carvings. Basswood is a hardwood that is used extensively for carving since it has virtually no grain and is light in weight. It is known as the ""Carvers Wood"". We also use Poplar for plainer styles and various other species are used for their grain or other characteristics.
Woodwork:
In our product line, we will mill the wood (for the possible addition of embossed or composition detail) or carve the lengths and frame sections (so as to replicate, as exactly as possible, the original carver's handwork). In the case of styles which have finely carved detail, our teams of hand-carvers apply their skills with a comprehension of the original design.
Gessoing:
Once the raw frame is completed, gesso is applied, either by spraying or extrusion. The surface is then meticulously hand sanded and recarved or recut by specially trained carvers. All evidence of nail holes, miters and other surface defects are eliminated at this stage.
Gilding
The various boles or clay are applied at this point. The colors are all natural in state: Terra cotta or Red, Yellow, Black, White and others, depending on the tonal quality required under the gold leaf. The frame or moulding is now ready to be leafed and finished. Various types of gold can be used: 22K yellow is the standard, but we also have 12K white, 16K Lemon, 18K French Pale and many others are available.
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The Abe Munn Finish
Our proudest achievement is the sought-after ""Abe Munn Finish"". The hands of skilled artisans execute the finishing on each frame. Our master craftsmen are able to produce frames and moulding with a depth and sophistication unattainable by mechanized means. The multiple layering of tones and effects are coupled, not merely with technical expertise and an understanding of the original designer's vision, but also an understanding of how the passage of time would affect the look of the frame. This enables Abe Munn Picture Frames to create a product that doesn't simply have the look of a good reproduction, but one that is difficult to tell apart from a genuine antique. Our finish offerings include: Genuine Gold Leaf, Imitation or Metal Leaf, Gessoed (ready to gild or paint), and Painted and Stained wood finishes - each in a myriad of variations, to capture the precise tone and aging required. We are proud to serve the needs of the Custom Framer, Gallery Owner, Designers, Conservators, as well as Museums Curators.
MOULDING INFO
ORDERING
When ordering moulding, please specify: Style , Finish , Quantity (minimums are listed for each style/finish) and Method of shipment as well as Bundle Cutting Specifications (if required for UPS and FedEx). Styles in our "IN STOCK MOULDING PROGRAM" can ship in 5 working days. ONLY the IN STOCK styles can be shipped in 20' minimums without a UPS cut charge.
PRODUCTION LEAD-TIME
For most custom moulding orders, we require 3 weeks for production. Some orders are able to ship in less time. Occasionally, additional time may be required to ensure that your order meets our standards. Please inform your clients of this possibility. Our committment is to provide you, and your clients, with the finest mouldings available. We make every effort to meet or beat the posted "Desired Ship Date" on your order.
CUSTOM FRAME INFO
GENERAL INFORMATION
We, at Abe Munn, are proud to have provided fine framers with historically accurate styles, proportions and finishes for more than forty years. All of our frames are crafted and hand-finished at our New York facility and are intended to replicate the naturally-aged appearance of antique frames. Please be aware that antique finishes are fragile and must be kept from moisture and abrasion. Special crating charges will be applied to some frame orders based on overall size, quantity or fragility. Orders for export may be charged additionally for packing and handling.
PRODUCTION LEAD-TIME
For most custom frame orders, we require minimum 3 weeks for proper production. Certain configurations are able to ship in less time. Occasionally, additional time may be required to ensure that your order meets our standards. Please inform your clients of this possibility. After all, the frame they have selected is being hand crafted for their long-term enjoyment. Our commitment is to provide you, and your clients, with the finest frames available. We make every effort to meet or beat the posted "Desired Ship Date" on your order.
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