Design for a Frame 1841 - 1884

This is a design for a frame, made in London by Charles Hindley and Sons, likely sometime in the late 19th century. It’s just pencil on paper, but the drawing holds the promise of elaborate craftsmanship. Consider all the work implied in the design: the hand-carving of the wood, perhaps gilded, to create the delicate swags, ribbons and rosettes. Hindley and Sons were known as high-end cabinet makers and decorators, catering to a wealthy clientele. Their aesthetic drew on historical styles, particularly the French Rococo, updated for the Victorian era. This drawing shows how high style depends on the skillful labor of many hands, not just the designer’s. It's a reminder that even the most apparently effortless elegance has a whole structure of production behind it. And that a sketch like this represents a crucial step in bringing it into being. Without this level of planning and drawing, the decorative effect would be impossible.