Framing Inspiration #2: Maureen Potter at Neary’s

Neary’s is a perfect pub. One of the best in Dublin! It’s just off Grafton Street so it’s usually busy, but I usually find a table.

The tables are snug and cosy, and the rooms have mirrors and a height to make it feel spacious. The seating is upholstered in green and red, and the furnishings are gold. The left side of the bar is decorated with portraits of stars from the nearby Gaiety Theatre. In December I had a Christmas pint just under this painting of Maureen Potter, and next to the portrait of Jimmy O’Dea: both beloved performers of their time, as well as familiar faces at Neary’s, which famously backs onto the Gaiety’s stage door.

I noticed as I sat under the pictures, that the frames were unusual, they’re made of light wood and pale linen. At first, I thought it was an unexpected choice: I don’t expect to see fabric as part of a frame. But it works so well. The frames, illuminated from above, highlight the brightness in the pictures, and keep the actors in their spotlights.

These frames serve as a visual bridge between the portraits and their surroundings, and bring the personalities of the actors back into the pub.

Framing is a crucial aspect of displaying and preserving art, and it requires careful consideration and attention to detail. By choosing the correct frame and using the right materials, you can have a beautiful and personalized frame that enhances the beauty and longevity of your art.

Find a frame to suit your home with the help of Hot Metal Frames. Call 085 252 7063 any time to set up an appointment.