An Overview of the History of Matting

1934  Edward Weston  Old Adobe, Carmel Valley  Gelatin Silver Print,  printed in Carmel, California This photograph is typical of this period in Weston’s career.  He split his time between the Monterey peninsula and Mexico, exploring architectural ruins. The Arts & Crafts style, rooted in nineteenth century England,  was interpreted and modified by American craftsmen and extremely popular until the end of WWI  when more modern trends began to take hold (  Art Deco, 1925 ).  In 1893 the Greene brothers ( architects ) moved to Pasadena and were inspired by the crude simplicity of early Franciscan mission architecture and subsequently the Mission Style was born.   The Wall Street Stock Market crashed in 1929 and the Great Depression followed.  Hand-carved gold leafed frames were not in great demand, so frame makers devised numerous painted finishes compounded from “bronze” powders and various oily mediums. When new, these finishes were bright and golden.  The dark, mellow tones we are familiar with are a result of time and oxidation, not intent!  Traditionally, due to geographic location, California has been slow to embrace new Eastern styles.  Simple oak profiles,  reeded “Whistler” adaptations and Mission styles with modified Art Deco ornaments were popular well into the 1940’s. The simple, white mat is typical of the period.  The dark, bronze finish frame is typical of California Mission Style with an Art Deco influence in the corner carving.

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