Of the over 30 years I have been in framing, it amazes me how framers treat, mount and frame art and artifacts for people who patronize them. On a weekly basis, it's not unusual for someone to contact me through email or phone informing me of a recently framed item which shows signs of deterioration.
The following map, over 400 years old, is a case in point. Although erroneously titled "Virginia", it's really a incredibly accurate likeness of North Carolina. Of course, shortly afterwards, Virginia was given the correct depiction when the cartographers mapped it thoroughly and accurately.
As a seasoned collector of autographs of over 35 years, it still excites me to pick up long desired rare autograph signed by someone I admire. You see, unlike most things, a complete set of autographs cannot be acquired any day or night. It has to be built over time or acquired intact when the rare opportunity presents itself.
The thrill of collecting ancient coins is when you imagine what kings, emperors and other famous ancient people touched and spent these coins. Nothing is more exciting than thinking if Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar or even Cleopatra touched a coin.
One of the most interesting items I have framed lately is a note written by Abraham Lincoln toward the conclusion of the Civil War where he orders a young man to be sent to his mother. Rarely did President Lincoln evoke emotions in his orders, such as discharges, but this one must have really stirred Lincoln to react.
When a photograph, document or other item has fading, it is nearly impossible to restore it to its original condition. And, do you notice those stores that offer photo restoration? Well, they aren't really restoring the photo.
Monopoly is perhaps the most popular, discussed and recognizable game ever created. It is one game that, even in this digital age, is still enjoyed by millions of people throughout the world. There are even spin offs of the game manufactured covering any topic you can imagine.
Remember that famous botched "restoration" job of the Spanish fresco painting of Jesus Christ by an 80 year old woman? If not, ten years ago, the artist, Cecilia Jimenez, volunteered to restore the painting. Her "restoration" was so poorly done, the term "ecce monkey" was sometimes used to describe the artwork.
First, people are running scared given the financial markets rolling wild swings like a roller coaster. A 750 point swing was a 75 point swing last year. Second, people are more and more wearing face shields/masks to prevent transmitting the virus. Third, looking out my office window has turned from a bustling active Saturday to one that is dismally quiet and calm. I can even make out the casual conversations as people walk by.
