“I tell people I’ve been training for this job all my life,” said House of Frames owner Peggy Allen, surrounded by framed artwork and frame samples.
Allen graduated from Pan Am with a studio art degree and held jobs as a commercial artist. In 1997, after working part time for three years with the previous owner of House of Frames, Allen bought the custom framing business. That was two months before she gave birth to her sixth child. “I absolutely love doing this. It’s the only place that I could work with so many kids,” she said with a laugh in the Harlingen shop.
Allen’s experience with printmaking, painting, ceramics, photography and art preservation has all been beneficial for her business. “I personally think a frame should be more than just background,” she said. “The frame should add another dimension. The color and texture of the matting and frame style should reflect the art. If not, the whole display is not what it could be. The finished product must make you happy.”
“This is a production shop. Our goal is to make the frames correctly so precision is essential,” said Allen. A perfectionist, she can detect the smallest variations in size and shape of frame and matting components. “I want a customer to open a frame package and be delighted.”
Allen deals primarily with walk-in customers, who initially ask her guidance in selecting a mat and frame. Her many repeat customers are most likely to leave everything in her hands, trusting her taste and talents. Allen may ask them if they intend to group several pictures together and, if so, works toward a harmonious mix. “What we’re trying to do is show the art.”
On the other hand, decorators and interior designers bring in the swatches of the wall colors where the art will be hung and are more specific. “Decorators like frames to coordinate or to complement the room. Some decorators will bring in up to 20 pieces to be framed,” Allen said. She and her staff of five have earned a reputation for their specialty matting and distinctive frames.
A desire to preserve artworks and photographs attracts numerous customers to House of Frames. To display museum quality work, Allen said, fabric-wrapped mats, either of linen or cotton, are the best solution. Because acid-free matting was not commonly used before 1980, Allen frequently is asked to replace matting that is deteriorating. And, she noted, when the backing paper on a professional framed item gets damaged or ripped, bugs can get in and damage the artwork.
“We do a lot of updating with conservation products,” Allen said. “Everybody is interested in keeping the color true. Conservation glass can prevent fading. Saving memories is important today.” She creates memory boxes of items with meanings for a family and their heritage. “We’ve framed cigars along with all kinds of memorabilia. We’ve done a lot photo collages, for business and organizations, as well as for families.”
To read the full story by Eileen Mattei, pick up a copy of the January 2014 print edition of Valley Business Report or visit the “Current & Past Issues” tab on this website.