Our 2020 new collections launch is now available for sampling! We debuted four completely new lines plus fantastic additions to Cabaret and Tappo at the WCAF in January. Enjoy exploring these new options in colorful metallics, medieval inspired textures and sophisticated veneers. There’s something to thrill everyone and most importantly to thrill your customers.

Today’s collection is inspired by senior year English class, visits to the Met Cloisters Museum and dreams of knights in shining armor. Introducing Chaucer.

CHAUCER

The Chaucer collection was imagined on a trip to London. On the last night of the trip, we stayed in a tiny b&b outside of Windsor that claims to be the third oldest inn in the UK. Founded in 1106(!) and located 17 miles from London, The Ostrich was a common rest stop for weary travelers. They say that King John stopped there on his way to sign the Magna Carta. With hundreds of years of travelers and their tales, I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see a sign on their wall saying “Chaucer slept here.”

If you’re wondering “Who is Chaucer?” then let me take you on a geeky journey back to high school English class. Geoffrey Chaucer (1340 - 1400) was a courtier and diplomat who authored several books over his lifetime. His medieval bestseller The Canturbury Tales is credited with legitimizing the use of the English language in literature. The book is structured into a series of tales told in a story-telling contest by a group of pilgrims as they travel together from London to Canterbury Cathedral. Storytelling was the main entertainment in England at the time, and storytelling contests had been around for hundreds of years. Chaucer uses the format cleverly to craft a critique of society of the times jam packed full of subtle satire.

The first story in The Canterbury Tales is The Knight’s Tale - the story of a fight-to-the-death duel between two chivalrous knights over the love of an idealized virtuous maiden. We’ve based this frame collection on the ideals of the knights and their shining armor which is an art form in its own right. To see some beautiful medieval works, we recommend a visit to the V&A when in London or the Met Cloisters in New York City. There are some amazing examples of medieval art showing the color and luxurious craftsmanship in metallurgy, armor, illuminated manuscripts and tapestries.

Our Chaucer is comprised of three profiles - a tiny cap profile embellished with beading and stylized roses plus a curve in two widths with bold bead lip and clad in hand leafing.

The tiny floral gloss lacquer profile comes in six colors named for virtues as symbolized by the colors of heraldic shields of the medieval knights. Red for victory, Black for constancy, Blue for nobility, Green for loyalty, Orange for ambition, and White for serenity.

The curved profile comes in three finishes; gold leaf, silver leaf and a whitewashed vintage champagne gold. With the unique combination of linear and ornate, this profile makes a rich and regal impression on classic portraits and large statement mirrors.

View the full Chaucer collection here.

Be inspired by Chaucer on Pinterest.

We have one more blog coming up to finish out the Winter 2020 introduction. As always, contact our helpful customer service staff with inquiries and requests.

Happy framing!