Over the Years, I have seen maps, prints, historical autographs and documents as well as beautiful artwork get damaged from inexperienced framers who use generic, substandard quality materials.  Colors, inks and vibrancy of content are harmed by not being properly cared or treated when framed.  In most cases, these negative effects cannot be restored.  Value, Read the full article…

   This is the first printed map showing Virginia and the Carolinas and printed right after the Lost Colony of Roanoke Island in 1590.     This example is fully original with no repairs or any form of restoration.  All margins are fully original and broad.  Nothing has been added except 2 minor verso hinges Read the full article…

John Smith 1612 Virginia Map of Incredible Rarity, especially with complete original margins as this example shows An inc map where the likeness is displayed in many historical parks, public museums and societies.  Few of the many prominent museums, library collections and well established universities own an original, genuine copy.  As Philip Burden, a map Read the full article…

When you hold a document signed by an important historical person, like George Washington or Abraham Lincoln, you are touching something they not only touched themselves, but also affixed their name to that sheet of paper (or vellum).  Also, imagine what they were thinking when they signed it. It gives you goosebumps just thinking about Read the full article…

Rare 1683 Land Grant Document signed by William Penn while in Philadelphia! This letter was signed during his famous Treaty with the Indians, the famous scene depicting Penn and the Native Americans done by Benjamin West. This document is headed at the top “William Penn Proprietary Governor of the Province of Pennsilvania (sp) and Territories Read the full article…

Thomas Jefferson Signed Folio Land Grant as Governor of Virginia in Richmond, An attempt was made a few months later.  Superb, Large Dark Signature of Jefferson! This document granting a parcel of land to John Robinson was written in another hand but signed “Th: Jefferson” by the future President during his term as Governor of Virginia (1779-1781). Read the full article…

1513 King Henry VIII Signed Letter,   Military Strategy for his First Victory Letters by King Henry VIII with any Military content are very rare and seldom hit the market   Henry VIII (1491-1547) King of England (1509-47); in 1534, he broke with Rome over Pope Clement VII’s refusal to grant him a divorce from Catherine Read the full article…

  Why a New Venture After nearly 30 years of specializing in preservation framing rare and valuable artwork and manuscripts, Rick Badwey felt it was the time to introduce similar frames in an eCommerce business to the public.  With the widespread marketing of frames with sub par materials and craftsmanship at high prices, Rick believed Read the full article…

Many framing businesses use foamcore in their framing projects.  When I am asked to remove a prior framing job done elsewhere, it is almost always backed with foamcore. On many previous blogs, I continually mention that foamcore is very harmful to artwork.  As you can see in the accompanying photograph, the print was framed with Read the full article…