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“Keeping your stories alive.”


Welcome to Frame Restoration. I am Frédérique Cotteret, a picture and mirror frame restorer and gilder, but I also restore all gilded wooden artefacts, including clocks, candlesticks, lamps and barometers.

Restoring isn’t just a job; it is about my passion to preserve the timeless elegance which has embellished your homes thanks to other craftsmen, who made these items, before they come to be restored. It is not only about craftsmanship, but also about you and your family’s stories, which are hidden behind each piece you entrust to me.

I provide a full restoration and repair service from my studio, based in Tonbridge, Kent. 

Restoration process

Pictures or mirror frames can be damaged over the years. The most common damages are broken mouldings and missing ornaments. Usually, damages can be repaired. The process will be from cleaning, restoring cracks and damaged ornaments, re-gliding and ageing with patina to harmonise new with old elements.

Restoration techniques and products used for frames, mirrors and other gilded wooden artefacts have remained unchanged since the 17th century. In my studio, I use only these traditional methods and materials to preserve your history.

The art of restoring and gilding requires precise and meticulous work, patience and experience.

My philosophy, when I restore a piece, is to keep its genuine aspect as much as possible.

How we work

  • We can directly set an appointment at my studio. Alternatively, you can start by sending me some pictures of the object you want to have restored. Make sure to include clear pictures taken from different angles, focusing on the areas where you think restoration might be necessary. Please make sure to let me know about the dimensions of the item.
  • Before starting any restoration, I need to meet you and see the item you wish to have restored. We can then discuss your unique requirements. I will guide you through different options, from cleaning to full restoration and gilding. 
  • I will provide a free estimate for your approval.
  • The time scale will consider the work involved in restoring the item to your requirements.
  • Once the estimate has been signed by you and returned to me, the work can go ahead.

Testimonials

A museum-quality approach

Frédérique has a museum-quality approach and one can safely entrust her with gilded frames and other objects, knowing that they will be beautifully revived by her magical touch. They will retain their authenticity, with the new gilding blending in an original one in a very respectful and elegant manner.

Joanna Plachcinska ( M.A. in Painting Conservation)

Frédérique Cotteret
5
2021-01-23T16:59:59+00:00

Joanna Plachcinska ( M.A. in Painting Conservation)

Frédérique has a museum-quality approach and one can safely entrust her with gilded frames and other objects, knowing that they will be beautifully revived by her magical touch. They will retain their authenticity, with the new gilding blending in an original one in a very respectful and elegant manner.

Well worth it!

Frédérique did a lovely job for me. The frame she worked on was in dire need of repair and I wanted to pass on a family portrait to my nephew which he would be pleased to own.

She repaired it sensitively so it still looked old but no longer sad, she worked to time and the price was very reasonable. Work like this is complex and it needs an expert - but it is well worth it.

Joanna Wade - Hever

Frédérique Cotteret
5
2021-01-19T20:46:39+00:00

Joanna Wade - Hever

Frédérique did a lovely job for me. The frame she worked on was in dire need of repair and I wanted to pass on a family portrait to my nephew which he would be pleased to own. She repaired it sensitively so it still looked old but no longer sad, she worked to time and the price was very reasonable. Work like this is complex and it needs an expert - but it is well worth it.

A fantastic job!

Freddie did a fantastic job restoring my battered Victorian picture frame. Can't spot the numerous repairs and she blended in the new gilding so skilfully. I am very pleased with it.

Karen Dixon - Tonbridge

Frédérique Cotteret
5
2021-01-19T20:45:47+00:00

Karen Dixon - Tonbridge

Freddie did a fantastic job restoring my battered Victorian picture frame. Can't spot the numerous repairs and she blended in the new gilding so skilfully. I am very pleased with it.

Very skilled and talented

We gave an antique and damaged frame to Freddie to restore for us. I have to say she did an absolutely fantastic restoration on it. We are so pleased with the result. It is like new with new life breathed into it. We can’t thank Freddie enough for her amazing work. She is very skilled and talented.

Paul Gurney BA Hons.
Graphic Designer

Frédérique Cotteret
5
2021-02-22T17:38:23+00:00

Paul Gurney BA Hons.
Graphic Designer

We gave an antique and damaged frame to Freddie to restore for us. I have to say she did an absolutely fantastic restoration on it. We are so pleased with the result. It is like new with new life breathed into it. We can’t thank Freddie enough for her amazing work. She is very skilled and talented.

Just the right person

I consider myself very fortunate to have found Frédérique Cotteret Frame Restoration Studio. I am a picture restorer myself and often paintings come to me in frames, which are also in a state of disrepair. If the frames are ornate and gilded - I know whom to turn to! Frédérique is just the right person, with her professionalism, expertise, and all the required skills to repair a damaged frame.

Joanna Plachcinska ( M.A. in Painting Conservation)

Frédérique Cotteret
5
2021-02-22T17:46:25+00:00

Joanna Plachcinska ( M.A. in Painting Conservation)

I consider myself very fortunate to have found Frédérique Cotteret Frame Restoration Studio. I am a picture restorer myself and often paintings come to me in frames, which are also in a state of disrepair. If the frames are ornate and gilded - I know whom to turn to! Frédérique is just the right person, with her professionalism, expertise, and all the required skills to repair a damaged frame.
5
5
Frédérique Cotteret

About

My name is Frédérique Cotteret. I started my journey through frames and mirrors restoration and gilding as a hobby, over 10 years ago.

I have been a frequent visitor at flea markets for many years. One day, I came across a wonderful 19th century gilded frame. You can admire it on the first page of this website as this frame is part of my wonderful journey in restoration! Even if one of its sides was totally destroyed, I decided to go for it, thinking I could manage easily to fix it. I tried again and again to improve the outcome without much success and was disappointed…

The reason was simple: restoration and gilding, like any art, takes some proper learning with qualified teachers and experience too. So, I decided to enrol with a Parisian studio in order to gain professional skills.

After the first lesson, I was totally… hooked…and am still today! What was initially a hobby had progressively become my profession. It is still today.

Contact

Meetings are by appointment only. Please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss your requirements.

You may call me at 0772 272 8911, or contact me via email at info@framerestoration.co.uk or social networks using the links in the red icons below.