Testimonials

"Everyone comments on the Birge Harrison painting you reframed for us. It is as if they have never seen the painting before, though it has been in the collection since 1929."

— Andrew Wallace, Figge Art Museum, Davenport, Iowa

Do you ever wonder which of your works might last hundreds of years? If we assume that people continue to preserve this map—already 387 years old—I cannot imagine anyone wanting to take it out of this frame. Surely whoever has this map in future ages will have your hand-carved oak along with it. Likewise, it is hard to imagine tastes changing so much that people will ever want to take all those landscape paintings [framed for the gallery] out of their frames. I think your pieces will be floating around for centuries. 

— J.W., Chicago, IL

Tim Holton and the Holton Studio are a treasure for those of us fortunate to drop in, see the exquisite frames Tim produces, and consult with him on possible styles, types of wood, hand tooling and finishes for special framing projects, both historic and new. An added joy is the opportunity to consider examples of contemporary works by Northern California artists beautifully framed and curated by the Studio.

Engaging with Tim is a collaboration with a craftsman of great skill and sound judgement who loves sharing it. It’s always a pleasure, Tim!

— Wylie Greig, Palo Alto, CA

Both frames arrived in excellent condition…and both beautifully suited for the paintings. I look forward to working together on future framing solutions. Your advice on profiles and finishes is greatly appreciated and your old world craftsmanship and finishes exceeded expectations…excellent work!

— Skip Whitcomb, painter (www.skipwhitcomb.com), Ft. Collins, CO

"I received my frame yesterday and I must say it is fabulous. I could not be happier. I have hung it and am admiring it without the picture in it for now! Thank you so much."

— Kevin Rodgers, Seattle

The frames are stunning and perfectly complement both needlepoints.  A beautiful frame will enhance any piece of art, but on some occasions the color, design and finish of a frame blend so perfectly with the artwork as to transform its entire appearance.  Looking around our house, we see this effect with so many of your frames, and truly never tire of looking at them. Thank you for the time and effort devoted to each frame, and please know that your craftsmanship is appreciated.

— Michael Wayman and Nancy Casale, CA

I can't buy anything but a Holton frame for most everything.

— C.C., La Canada, CA

"The frame exceeded my expectations and after having you make several other frames for me they were very high! I couldn't be happier. You guys rock! Thanks for staying true to the principal of 'no compromises' on the quality of what you produce."

— George Palmer, Dallas, TX

"The framed prints have arrived and we could not be happier. The custom frame design turned out beyond our wildest expectations — it is an extraordinarily beautifully rendered craftsman piece. The shaping and design are marvelous. We consider it a work of art unto itself."

— G.A. and S.B., Washington, DC

“Tim Holton’s subtly framed mirrors hang, both in the cafe, and in the dining room. Their beauty, style and craftsmanship fit perfectly in the Arts and Crafts feeling of the restaurant.”

— Alice Waters, Chez Panisse Restaurant and Cafe, Berkeley, California

"Tim Holton’s work always rises to the level of everything we entrust him to frame — to the level of art. His vision and his craftsmanship are equaled only by the warm, friendly professional demeanor he brings to everything he does."

— Michael Chabon and Ayelet Waldman, authors

"The frame is absolutely perfect. Your work is superb. I am extremely satisfied. The frame, in and of itself is a work of art, and now I have a work of art within a work of art."

— Duke Jones, Houston, TX

"Just a quick note to thank you for the beautiful frames. I thought the tiles were wonderful, but seeing them now makes them extraordinary! You and your team of artists have far exceeded my already high expectations. If I have any framing needs in the future, I will call on YOU!"

— Ali Haas, Waynesville, OH

"The framed artwork arrived safely yesterday in perfect condition. It is fabulous! Your frame and liners fit the paintings flawlessly, and highlighted them exactly the way we were hoping — actually, even better than we were hoping. Your studio’s craftsmanship is excellent, and to say we are very happy with the result does not even begin to describe our appreciation. We will be recommending your studio to everyone without hesitation. Thanks so much for the thought, design and quality of your work."

— Matthew Crane, Seattle

"The frames arrived today, they’re gorgeous! They are little works of art I’m sure I’ll enjoy looking at for the rest of my life. Compared to these frames all of the other frames in my house look shabby. I may have to upgrade! Thank you for making such beautiful picture frames."

— Kathryn Grannis, Venice, California

"I thought I’d drop you a line to let you know that my Curtis print is now at home in your frame, and looks absolutely beautiful. Our local framers were blown away by the craftsmanship of your frame, and handled it like a baby, with love in their eyes. They said it’s not often they get to see something of that high quality, and were very impressed. And I love it, too. Thank you so much for the wonderful work!!"

— Setje Brinkmann, Sierra Madre, California

"Just got my framed flag back and I gotta tell you, your [Four-Square Cloister] frame and my flag are amazing together... It’s jaw dropping gorgeous. Your work is amazing and the finish is a perfect match to our Stickley furniture. I couldn’t be happier. We’ve got several other items we want to finish off with your frames in the coming years. Thanks a million!"

— Stuart Hagen, Toluca Lake, California

"I’ve been gradually replacing all my old frame-shop frames with Tim Holton’s solidly beautiful masterworks. After all, why should the artwork stop at the edges?"

— Armistead Maupin, author, San Francisco

"We are greatly enjoying the two mirrors we had you make for us. They are the perfect finishing touch for our bathroom. Needless to say, every commercially-available mirror I’ve seen can’t compare to yours!"

— Peggy and George Hunt, Friday Harbor, WA

“Timothy Holton is a true craftsman, in the best American tradition. His frames are a perfect combination of art and craft — a great finishing touch for today’s craftsman home.”

— Bruce Bradbury, Bradbury & Bradbury Art Wallpapers

“The Eastwood and Gimson frames you built were magnificent! The stain is a perfect match, the craftsmanship is stellar, and the quartersawn white oak is first-rate… I can’t tell you how pleased I am by your prompt and attentive service as well as your absolute attention to detail. You may be sure that I’ll be ordering additional frames from you in the future.”

— Jim Boulter, Los Angeles

“Tim has made five custom frames for us. He and his staff are nice to work with and creative, helping us display our tiles to their best advantage.”

— Allen & Vonda Breed, Los Gatos, CA

“Holton Studio Frame-Makers offers the only furniture grade wooden frames I know of. Every joint is seamlessly crafted to the highest woodworking standards. The finish work is the equal of the finest finishes done today. I heartily recommend Holton Frame for the best quality frame available anywhere.”

— Lee Jester, antique dealer & proprietor, The Craftsman Home

“I am writing to express my utter satisfaction with the oak frames you have made for me — in one case, to house an antique photograph of a Burne-Jones painting and the balance for a growing collection English Art Nouveau tiles. I live in an Arts and Crafts cottage-style house that I have been restoring and furnishing for twenty years and your frames positively belong here. Your craftsmanship is superb. Thank you. You may expect another order soon.”

— Harry C. Davies, Professor and Chair, Dept. of Art and Art History, Adelphi University

“I would like to thank you for the two great frames that I ordered from you. I had been looking for someone to frame two art tiles and found your ad in American Bungalow Magazine. It was great to be able to send you the tiles and have you choose the frames that would look the best. The quality of your work is excellent, and your choices look great with my tiles. I would recommend your work to anyone looking for arts and crafts framing. Thank you.”

— Debbie Himmelfarb, Walker Zanger, Sun Valley, California

“The frame you made me exceeded my already high expectations. Superlative craftsmanship! How good to know that the spirit of William Morris and Gustav Stickley lives on in succeeding generations. I’m already thinking about future projects for you.”

— Stephen Grant, Madison, WI

“These are the most beautiful and best made frames I’ve ever seen, and they really complement my sepia tone photographs.”

— Richard Blair, photographer, Inverness, CA

“Just a quick note to thank you for handling my recent frame orders with the highest possible level of customer service and professionalism. Your ‘Yoshida’ frames are absolutely perfect, and the others look wonderful on my office wall. The craftsmanship is impeccable, but what I appreciate most is your eye for color matching and selecting the best wood type. I have a friend who thinks I’m a bit nuts to have a framer 2,700 miles away, but when she saw the finished products on my wall she understood why. Keep up the great work!”

— Scott Yeager, Manchester, CT