With a history dating back to 1837 we are passionate about our heritage and the legacy of the skilled framemakers of the past that informs our present workmanship
Originally operating as ‘The Bloomsbury Frameworks’ our history dates back to 1837, at the forefront of avant-garde frame making and supplied finely decorated frames to many leading public and private collections.
The company specialised in the production and application of ‘composition ornament’, then in its early stages, for frames, mirrors and associated furniture. It soon amassed an enviable collection of carvings in all manner of patterns and motifs to suit this purpose – The Bloomsbury Collection.
Coming from an artistic background, Joseph was always passionate about finding creative ways to introduce transformative mirrors into all homes and interiors.
He was determined to offer mirrors and frames with exceptional craftsmanship, timeless design and personalised expertise at their heart which has become our signature. His guiding principles of honesty, bespoke details and matchless quality are as integral to the business today as they were when he first started.
"Joseph McCarthy and his team are a pleasure to work with. Their experience and advice is invaluable."
The Binning family established their framing company in 1837. It would later become known as the ‘Bloomsbury Frameworks’.
The collection of fine reverse-carved moulds, at the heart of the company, was continuously added to over time to create an extensive and culturally significant library. It includes beautiful running patterns, scrolls, crests, swags, armorials and figures, with some dating back to c1760.
Time honoured techniques, craftsmanship and expertise were passed from father to son, spanning three centuries. The unique skills, acquired over generations to create exceptional frames, became synonymous with the company. The last family owner was Peter Binning (1936-2005).
The company passed to Joseph McCarthy in 2005.
We have collaborated with a number of leading institutions over the years and are delighted to have a partnership agreement with the Tate on the research and cataloguing of our historically significant Bloomsbury Collection.
One of the aims of this research will be to uncover instances of uses to which the collection has been put over its rich and varied life. We hope to find connections to frames in the Tate's own collection as well as many other leading collections both at home and abroad.
In due course the intention is to produce a Tate publication and stage an exhibition where part of the Bloomsbury workshop will be reproduced along with a limited number of the reverse carvings, allowing people to understand how this unique and historically important art form is undertaken.
The Tate has said: "The project is a unique opportunity to research the UK's last specialist composition ornament business, within the context of this once flourishing trade from the early nineteenth century. The Bloomsbury Collection is of national interest with regard to the study of frame-making and the decorative arts. Research of this will fill a substantial gap in our knowledge; hitherto publications have concentrated on carved rather than the more abundant applied pressed ornament."
Find out more about our work on the frame for culturally iconic Salisbury Cathedral from the Meadows by John Constable.
Our showroom and workshop is based in the heart of Royal Tunbridge Wells, next to the historic Pantiles. We moved to our current premises in 2016 and every one of our frames is designed and made here.
If you visit our showroom you can expect to see and handle our range of samples and receive expert advice about options for your space.
Knowing the criteria that influences good mirror design makes all the difference.
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