Behind The Canvas - S1E1 - Armand Lee Framing

For over three decades the artisans at Armand Lee Framing in Chicago have been dedicated to producing the finest frames available. Whether sleek and modern, opulent, rustic or everything between, their commitment to elevating artwork through framing in unwavering. And while their work graces the walls of homes, galleries and museums around the world, few people ever make it past the showroom floor.
In this episode we take a close look at the centuries old tradition of making frames by hand as we go Behind The Canvas.
armandlee.com/
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[@BaumgartnerRestoration]

Hey friends, I hope you're enjoying episode 1 of the series. The next Episode will air on January 22nd on KZbin. All 8 plus bonus content are available RIGHT NOW on Patreon: www.patreon.com/baumgartnerrestoration Also, stay tuned for the regular restoration videos; those aren't going anywhere ;)

[@annihull6373]

Well done. Thanks. Blessings.

[@SuperLifestream]

I am excited for this new seriers. However thumbnail is different then your usual style so it was hard to notice it amongst my sub list

[@BIGJATPSU]

Julian, "8 to 9 hours for this little frame?!" My thought, "You'd prefer scraping varnish for that long?" 😅😅

[@borge2014]

Julian, this is prime tv content, I hope a network pays attention, so we see more. Thank you!

[@mooonpaw]

What an awesome start to the series. Can't wait for the rest!

[@sarahleonard7309]

I love how Julian interacts with the artisans to put them at ease. It is so clear that they knew he was coming and dressed up to be on camera, and that they were nervous as heck. But once he go them talking about their craft they warmed up and felt like they were just having a conversation with him and forgot about the camera.

[@frank-t6857]

Absolutely my thoughts too. He knows the crafts as an art conservative but he was able to show them how he can also learn from these masters of specific fields of crafts. Making them proud of their work lifts them up. Just a great series this will be (for us without Patreon)

[@mircat28]

You have to assume everything was planned. They were making a documentary video for Pete’s sake! How long would the video be? How many steps are required to make a frame and which the most important? How much time can that step be allotted of the video? What part of the step is most important? What can be said and what left out? It’s a very particular job and it all has to be well thought out and rehearsed. They can’t just walk in with a camera in and ad lib!

[@LtFoeHammer]

​@@mircat28 Sure, but these people aren't actors. April seems comfortable on camera because she's a people-and-presentation person with lots of practice managing how she comes across and putting clients at ease. The others were very obviously less comfortable but were smiling and chatty after a short while (Julian *also* has a lot of practice putting people at ease) All the planning and foreknowledge won't cover for unfamiliarity and inexperience, and it's unlikely that Eva or Juan or Abraham or Chelsea had much say in the production schedule.

[@abuelitacaicedo3185]

Respect for the people in their areas of expertise 🎉

[@reganrose04]

I was just thinking the same thing. I love how he asks them questions to get them to talk and relax

[@jeromefeig4209]

As a gilder and frame conservator for 35 years I am glad to see you in my realm. To let people see that there is difference between a frame made from factory made pre-finished length moulding. As was explained during the interview of these craftspeople, it does take hours to produce a finished frame. "Can you just..." is usually possible; however, you cannot have it in a day or two. I have had projects that take over a year to complete. There is a reason why sometimes a picture frame can cost as much as or more than a work of art.

[@shannonbrown309]

"I have had projects that take over a year to complete." Can I ask what kind of project would take that long? Is it because of intricacy? Size? Dearth of proper materials? Sorry, I'm just fascinated!

[@sfurules]

I'd venture to say the frame is its own work of art....craftsmanship at that level is an art regardless of field.

[@nathanhorst8886]

There are thousands, even infinite ways of restoring a frame but, Only one way to do it right.

[@jeromefeig4209]

The project was a very large Baroque style looking glass for a high end hotel. It was in the area of 4ft x 8ft that had extensive damage after it fell off the wall and onto some furniture. The project included both re-attaching of the available parts, but also recreating the missing pieces. It was one of several projects in the shop at the time and had a low priority.

[@jeromefeig4209]

@@nathanhorst8886 - Actually there might be several alternative ways to approach a project. That is where communication with a client is essential to develop a "game plan" that suites their needs, expectations, and budget. Working in private practice vs in an institution has its differences.

[@Spasticlemur]

This video could have been an hour long, or more, and it would have easily held my interest. This is going to be an amazing series, and I look forward to the next segment.

[@mircat28]

And bored to tears thousands of others! Keeping it interesting for one and three quarters million potential viewers is not easy!

[@Spasticlemur]

@@mircat28No, it is not easy to keep so many interested in the video, however, I do believe he has hired the right crew to handle the video/audio/writing. This first segment looked amazing and was very well done, very professional looking. This easily can compare to professionally done documentaries that I have seen on major media outlets. That is just my opinion though, and we all know about opinions. 😃

[@vampirica89]

I'd personally watch if it was up to about twice longer than it is now, I think after 45 min it'd get too long for me. Just my opinion, though. 🙂

[@Turbulent_Tardis]

I LOVE the focus on all the artisans and not just the craft itself! And Julian is just hilarious as he runs around the studio wanting to get his hands on everything and try it all out 😂

[@zZiL341yRj736]

They're all nervous as hell he'll messed up their work, hahah.

[@epicureanbard]

This is giving me PEAK PBS vibes! I absolutely love this series so far!

[@shannonbrown309]

Julian could honestly have his own PBS show -- although, no one seems to watch PBS anymore. I grew up mostly watching PBS like the Antique Roadshow and This Old House, back when we only had 4 channels, before even Fox was on air, and cable tv was a pipe dream. But I agree, this is peak PBS stuff right here. Except with better clarity of picture and sound than I remember from the early 80s. :D

[@generatoralignmentdevalue]

I didn't realize until I saw your comment, but yes! This feels so much like the stuff I used to walk in on my dad watching on a weekend morning. It would have been in the mid 90s in my case. It feels like someone smashed together Bob Ross and This Old House.

[@devilsadvocate1218]

It's very gratifying to see all the younger people keeping the old skills alive

[@generatoralignmentdevalue]

Julian is really representing his audience by looking at everything and going "can I touch it? Can I use that? I wanna try making the thing!"

[@toomanyjstoomanyrs1705]

I just fell in love with Eva. She reminds me of my mom. As an immigrant I can appreciate that she learned a craft that she wouldn't have learned in her native country, that is if she did something else over there.

[@sarahdavis7411]

He credits each person. Wow, love that he is giving credit to these craftspeople.

[@danaondrackova3431]

I love how he asks all the "basic" questions even tho he probably knows the answer or can quess bcs of his knowledge of the surrounding topic, but we dont know, he asks for us :-)

[@janie9097]

I like knowing "the why" to most things in life. Once I get " the why" everything makes more sense, such as why are frames so expensive? This series will help me learn "the whys". Thank you.

[@yevangelion]

18:13 Julian mentally cleaning that painting 😂

[@AlexGeo925]

🤣❤️👌

[@reasonablebeing5392]

Wow this brings back memories - as a teenager in the 70's I worked for my uncle who had his own picture framing business and recall visiting Armand Lee to pick up frame stock while making deliveries to his customers.

[@thea7737]

I really appreciate how he’s asking questions he already knows the answers to so we get a full explanation

[@I_am_Lauren]

OMG I'm SO EXCITED FOR THIS SERIES!

[@c.s.4191]

Same!

[@poisonzombii]

As someone who works in the custom picture framing industry in Australia where we mostly have to use pre made mouldings, it was fascinating to see how full bespoke frames might be made. I wish this type of work existed here because I would love to do this.

[@wendymoyle1328]

This man is a natural presenter.

[@detectivemittons9020]

Loving this do far! Can't believe this is free, thank you Julian, the professionals and everyone else involved!

[@doctorpepper1801]

Blown away by Juan and his talent as a master carver.

[@cindyholton7234]

He’s as skillful as the artist - but gets no recognition!

[@Pattysspr]

As a Custom Picture Framer, I appreciate you taking the time to show the artisan’s behind the frame. Thank you.

[@rupertmiller9690]

Thank you for bringing these good folk to our attention. Much learned, much appreciated,

[@Kdrive23]

So excited for this series!!! I know NOTHING about art (i.e. the technical aspects) and I can't wait to learn more!

[@Soldier4USA2005]

And Julian is a great educator on the subject!!!

[@MrJeanMaker]

April seems like such a fun, nice and kind person. Its amazing how happy people are when they're doing something that they love.

[@absurdum-the-artist]

It’s actually crazy how something of this quality is available on KZbin for free. Great job!

[@anna9072]

“I love work, I can sit and watch it for hours.” One thing that has always fascinated me is seeing how experts in any field do their job. I’m really looking forward to this new series, so much new to learn!

[@lazygardens]

FIVE THOUSAND SAMPLES! My method for dealing with framing is to ask the framers "what would make this art look good?" and ask for a low, medium and extravagant budget suggestion. They absolutely LOVE this approach.

[@artropicainnisfailstudioga8635]

Indeed! We custom framers "absolutely♥this approach"! 😘😊

[@lazygardens]

@@artropicainnisfailstudioga8635 Y'all are the pros! I don't care if the art matches the sofa, I want the art to look good.

[@rooabe533]

Julian is just the best. I love the passion and dedication he puts into everything he does, and to see that he brings that out in others with their crafts is just such a treat!

[@caroltanzi29]

Julian: as an interior designer who is in & out of framing shops all the time, I’m loving this “Behind the Canvas” type video. This is such a worthwhile video for so many reasons. Thank you. Carol from California

[@ThinkingBoutMusic]

Stop, no, this was SOOO good! Can't wait for all the new episodes! The way you let every single artist shine, how you tried things out while being super respectful at the same time, how you made people comfortable in front of the camera - and the production quality of all of it! Crazy. Thank you for sharing.

[@stdew07]

🌟 Given his decades if work in Restoration, Julien has great access to these unsung craftsmen and I love how he is documenting their stories. This is what KZbin should be for. I wouldn't mind even paying for such content!

[@pminturn]

It's funny that you opened this video with an anecdote of being at the Prado in Madrid. I started watching your channel a little more than a year ago because I found it as a relaxing and soothing way to end a long day. I slowly found that I could not watch your videos right before bed because I was so fascinated and wanted to watch even more. Although I do not have the patience or steady hand to be any good at art, I wanted to know more about the craftsmanship and sometimes since of art and its preservation. Fast forward a couple months after first watching your videos, I found myself in Madrid at the Prado. Although I have always appreciated these types of visual arts, I have never particularly sought them out. I enjoyed the paintings substantially more than I would thought, and that was due to the knowledge I gained by watching your videos. Your attention to detail and way of explaining it to laypeople absolutely enhanced my experience.

[@marykallis3677]

I think you have a hit here Julian! An excellent idea. I was a graphic designer in chicago for 37 years and have heard of this frame company, and yours as well. I cant wait for the next chapter. Keep rockin it Julian! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@angelique_cs]

My bed head and I are present and accounted for. Class is now in session!!

[@andreabonacossa8709]

As a frame myself, i really appreciate the attention you gave us today Jokes aside, it's a f a n t a s t i c episode and i know it will be a marvelous serie 🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@kaitlynjoy4833]

I’m in love with this series already! In a world that loses craftsmanship to tech every day, these artisans are beautiful and deserve their chance to be shown!

[@senjipat2917]

This is like This Old House for art. That's rad.

[@nicolea3857]

I now have the perfect phrase that describes me: "I'm gonna go find a mess to make!" Thanks, Julian!

[@GoingtoHecq]

The compot part was so awesome. An entirely new fine woodworking method and material I have never heard about. It's like woodworking fondant.

[@26beegee]

That was fascinating! As an interior designer I sometimes had to guide people to what would be the best style for their architecture. Much like the frames for artwork. Some people are more open to suggestions, some are locked into what they want even if it is not the best choice. That gentle guidance is an art, too. Sometimes I succeeded, sometimes I failed. The best designers more often succeed. Thank you for the inside peek.

[@saint-miscreant]

YES SO PUMPED FOR THIS SERIES you’re giving us the behind-the-scenes tour and coffee chat that we would never have access to otherwise 💚

[@HMFan2010]

It’s a fine art Bamboo Steamer from RonCo! Seriously, so few people truly realize what time, effort, and talent goes into handmade art, be it an oil painting or a frame. It’s great to see that some skills are still practiced even though they’re centuries year’s old. Thank you for highlighting all these unsung and eminent artisans.

[@yadayada752]

Did you notice that the bottom of the table with the steamer on it has HVAC filters. Shown towards the end when Julian is walking down the aisle

[@Jan_Iedema]

From a faceless voice brushing dirty dust into the camera to making a documentary series on a lesser known but very important craft. Incredible!

[@htenerf137]

Super excited for this series!!! Can’t wait to hear about all the different pieces! (I hope washikozo is an episode!)

[@btlgr2901]

What a nice shop! I hope the next video might be a little longer😊 I love good craftsmanship 👍🏻🙋🏼‍♀️

[@amandylan]

My first job after getting my art degree was working in a frame shop. But we didn't get to build frames from scratch like that. Amazing skilled work. I'm so happy there are still shops doing custom work. The one I worked at went out of business 20 years ago.

[@shannonbrown309]

Honestly, Julian, I have not been this excited to watch KZbin in years. I am so very looking forward to the rest of the series. I've not even finished this episode yet but already I'm hooked on learning about framing! Thanks for doing this.

[@gianinamorales8597]

Ooof. When he was talking to the artisans and showing all those frames in that main lobby place, I was thinking to myself, 'Man, I feel like a kid in a candy shop.' And then he actually says that at 17:00 or so! I feel so giddy right now. I should be so honored to visit not just museums, but places like this. Thanks for taking us with you, Julian!

[@Soldier4USA2005]

What an interesting new series. :) Behind the scenes gives a whole new appreciation for his craft of restoration. I do the same with leather. Boots, gloves, purses, etc. It's why I love his restoration videos so much. Especially since I used to paint. A few standard paintings (very few and years ago), but I mostly painted table top miniatures. Thank you Julian for your hard work and thank you to those at Armand Lee for allowing you to share their shop.

[@Yeneca]

It is great to see this side of Julian, he is as good at handling people as he handles paintings 😊

[@samanthadean1083]

I love this concept!!! Don’t get me wrong, I love watching and listening to Julian restore paintings! But! This is like finding out all the steps that go into a project!!! ❤️❤️❤️👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@murkyseb]

Itd be really cool to hear what a conservator like yourself recommends what materials artists should use to do their art on. Like how long a canvas will last or how long wood will last and the benefits of using different materials and how long theyll last. Ive been doing art for a few years now and id love to know what i can do to ensure my artworks will last and remain in the best condition

[@PINTandDALE]

Brilliant! You've hit on something very special here, Julian. You are shining a beautiful light into a much neglected corner of the art world. I look forward to the next episode and wonder if PBS will snatch you up for a series before it arrives. Your skill here interacting with these fine artisans, the questions you raise and the topics you bring up, is top notch -- every bit as engaging as your restoration videos -- and that's saying a lot. Bravo!

[@abogadamexicali1807]

Yes, PBS!!

[@LuisChavez-wr3tc]

Amazing work by Eva and the Staff at Armand Lee. So much craft that goes into the frames. The meticulous process involved and the experience that goes into it is art in and of itself. Great work!

[@geraldmiller5260]

What an exceptional and much needed addition to the greatest videos of Mr. Baumgartner.

[@I_am_Lauren]

This series is going to be so freaking cool! I got my degree in Museum Studies and have worked as a Curator, Archivist and Preparator and I'm also an abstract artist, so these videos merge all of my worlds and interests together! MUCH LOVE!!!

[@UliTroyo]

I was a custom framer for 10 years. I knew this type of fine art framing existed, but I never saw it, and retail framing is the pits. I would've loved this!

[@jeffburrell7648]

This channel goes from strength to strength. It is fascinating to see the artisanship that goes into the frames. I look forward to the next installment of this series.

[@jorgexs65]

Simplemente espectacular, muy buena idea llevarnos a conocer lo que hay detras de un marco. Impresionante labor de quienes con sus manos elaboran cada una de estas obras de arte. Felicidades

[@juvenalarellano7944]

Yo soy uno d ellos gracias

[@parag408]

I have always been a Baumgartner fan even though I have 0 knowledge of arts. Loving this new way instead of just restoration

[@Iheartmoney62]

As someone who has worked in and lived near Chicago for a few years now, its fascinating to see a local store engaging in such beautiful craftsmanship. Fascinating series and behind-the-scenes look at a lesser observed part of the art world, just like the normal content of this channel. Looking forward to seeing more!

[@CallieMasters5000]

Julian lubing up to guild a frame. Now we've seen everything on this channel! 😂

[@alanfriedrich4221]

i have worked as a framer since 83, this frameshop is great

[@coeurclaire]

One of the thing that I I love to do when visiting museums is admiring all the 'custom made' frames, specifically desained. From this video, one frame that already have sample from the 5000 samples in the company, can take hours to make, I cannot imagine how many days/weeks for one customised frame to make. Especially if you have to craft the frame with the name of the painter too. Unfortunately sometimes we forgot all of the artists that make beautiful frames.

[@Stephen_Lafferty]

I really am looking forward to watching each documentary in this series! The craftsmanship on display for each aspect of Art - frames, canvas, brushes, transportation - are all equally worthy of Julian's careful attention!

[@jeanettekvinlaug2772]

Looking forward to this. 😊

[@fugithegreat]

I always love to see craftspeople doing their work. This is fabulous!

[@annwagner5779]

I’ve been working in art museums for over forty years, and I’ve seen a lot of behind the scenes processes. But still a lot of this is new to me. Fascinating and beautiful! Thank you!

[@annwagner5779]

Julian, your videos are my very favorite lunch time viewing to give me a break from the pressures of museum directing. These and the conservation videos are so enjoyable! And I am learning things that enhance what I can do for my job. Great work!

[@Sourcererdolphin]

I love it when people have so much passion and attention to detail for their work ❤

[@stevejohnson1685]

My European ancestors were "framers" for the arts in Linz, Austria. I had no idea of the level of skill and complexity involved. Thank you, Julian (let alone Armand Lee!)

[@maxnex7676]

I've been so looking forward to this "Behind the Canvas" series, thank you Julian.

[@DBZVelena]

The frame is just as much a work of art as the painting. Good job of showing us the artists.

[@ScarletShade13]

I am already in love with this series

[@EmberTheShark]

If the Rest of the Series is like this then i cant wait. Really well made and an intruiging look behind the scenes for us Couch potatoes

[@robbicu]

I am going to really enjoy this series!

[@virginiarichards6872]

My goodness! This was so interesting and eye opening. The things I need to frame I can usually get from the dollar store or Wally World and it’s perfect. To have artwork that deserves a custom frame is scary and mind blowing. Now I understand better why framing is so important.

[@DanielleStJohn]

Thank you for this. Even though I am a maker of things, I still sometimes forget to think about how much work goes into things. Thank you for the reminder.

[@kerrydagge4397]

I had 2 artworks conserved by a local framer and they died the most amazing job. I asked about the frame for the bigger one and they said don't change it, out suits the work. The other picture, they suggested and found as really suitable match that i loved. They are amazing people.

[@graceparker7003]

Julian, I have watched your for quite a while now and when you said you going outside your own studio to discover the more about the behind the scenes goings on, I couldn't wait and you haven't disappointed me yet. OMG the amount I am learning about it all and I am so thrilled. This series is going to be nothing short of amazing!!! Thanks you and I can't wait for the next episode.

[@paulrosebrock]

Consider going to Decorators Supply, they’re in Chicago and make the compo onlays …. The storage room full of (hand carved) original moulds is spectacular. I used them some at a company called Kittinger Furniture in Buffalo NY years ago. The history behind the originals is fascinating. (I believe they have moulds dating from the Pan American Exposition buildings. Nice video… Thanks!

[@brianswarbrick8492]

A refreshing look behind the canvas. I've always curious about how it's done now we wait for more. This is great, loving it.

[@xJennyOx]

Woof...such a long wait!

[@visionsofparadise578]

I love this series! Thank you so much!

[@gustavomiranda4298]

I loved this first episode, I'm so excited for this series and I absolutely loved April's vibe! ❤

[@LuccaAce]

Juan is very talented! All of the artisans are, honestly. What a cool series! I'm excited!

[@bethcrane5780]

Really interesting! Way cool Eva, Juan and friends!

[@dgbcl]

Wow! It is so cool to see all the artisans doing their awesome work! Great job Eva, and Armand Lee crew!! ☺️💓

[@jennyscott1740]

Excellent, I can't wait!

[@ENSerenova]

So cool! A good frame is magical. My husband had a couple of sketches he bought years ago, fairly inexpensive (on the order of 5-15 euro) and one year we splurged on custom frames for them. Completely elevated the art work from "nice" to "showpiece" and we've had them in our living room now for years. My grandmother worked in a frame shop and specialized in framing textiles. Even after she retired she still took on occasional commissions for several years for the owners when particularly unusual or unique textile pieces would come in since the new person didn't have the same expertise. There is so much time, skill, and human knowledge and learned experience that goes into a custom frame - they really are pieces of art in and of themselves.

[@justus1995]

Wooohoo obscure niche shop tour series GOOOO

[@opus28510]

I just watched the first episode and I think I'm going to enjoy this a lot. Very informative and I learned things I didn't know about. Thanks and looking forward to the next one.

[@sonja_jade]

This was so interesting and informative! Great video!! Thank you to both you and the Armand Lee crew!

[@NealChauhan]

This might be the best channel on KZbin

[@abigailhamiltonactor]

I was, at first, disappointed that you were going in a totally different direction, BUT, within only a couple of minutes, I was completely hooked! Thank you Julian; for showing me something, I know very little about, in a way that makes complete sense----I probably know more about film-making than your average viewer, so thanks too for your skill, in putting these wonderful craftspeople at their ease, so they could share their delight in their craftsmanship! .I'm looking forward to the next episode already!

[@abbofun9022]

Love this series, can’t wait to see them all.

[@lindabilodeau375]

Fascinating. Thanks Julian!

[@imjustelm]

loved the first episode! it was world-flipping to see Julian in an environment he was unfamiliar with, I was so surprised 😂 can’t wait for ep 2!

[@sjurgabriel]

Lookong forward to this series!

[@Inisiarev]

Ep1 is my dream start. Frames are way too underrated and the craftmanship it takes to makes good frames. Thanks for this wonderful episode!

[@nuancedmusings-ronneefullerton]

You are a wonderful presenter, writer and interviewer along with your other talents. Sooo well done!

[@chrisdavis1722]

What a great start to the series! Interesting, natural, informative, and it helps that you understand the craft so it doesn’t feel staged. Great job! 👍