Let frames speak for themselves

If your pictures are worth a thousand words, their frames should be as articulate. Lynn Russell, of Lynn Russell Antiques, sells vintage frames. Evaluating every picture individually, she searches for its perfect complement.

What constitutes perfection? For Russell, it is an aesthetic harmony between picture and frame, sometimes expected and sometimes not: Witness a 20th century Chinese brush painting that she matched with a 19th century hand-carved frame with original paint.

A new collection of Russell-framed botanical engravings goes on sale Friday at the Virginia Robinson Gardens in Beverly Hills as part of the annual “ ... into the garden” fundraiser. In addition to Russell, 28 designers, vendors and store owners will sell wares. Tickets are $150; call (310) 276-3302, Ext. 103.

Prices for Russell’s frames start around $200. For an appointment, call (323) 850-8689.

-- Andrew Myers