About as Old as Us: Framing Oxford Memories

At Underglass Custom Picture Framing in San Francisco, we recently reframed a client’s photo collage from their time at Oxford in the 1980s. The piece — about as old as Underglass itself — is a reminder of why we do what we do: some memories deserve to be preserved, displayed, and lived with every day.

The original collage, made by our client decades ago, holds snapshots of youth, friendship, and travel abroad. To honor it, we elevated the design with a sand-colored linen fabric mat that adds warmth and texture without overpowering the photos. A slim ash wood frame creates a clean, architectural line that echoes Oxford’s Romanesque and Gothic cathedral details while keeping the overall feel modern and timeless.

As always, we built the frame to museum standards:

• Conservation-grade materials to prevent yellowing and deterioration.

• Archival hinging methods that are fully reversible and non-destructive.

• UV-filtering glazing to protect against light damage.

It’s not just about preservation — it’s about connection. For our client, this collage is a tangible piece of the past that now lives comfortably in the present, ready to be seen and shared for decades to come.

After 40 years of framing in the Castro, we’ve learned that the most meaningful pieces aren’t always the rarest or most expensive. Sometimes, it’s the keepsakes — the letters, the photos, the collages — that hold the most value. And framing them well means they’ll always be part of the story you’re living now.