The Cast System

The beauty of a work of art or a photograph is only made better by a unique frame, and this collection of Elias Artmetal art cast frames are no exception. Davis Tillman of Tillman Antiques in Hot Springs came across one from this collection in New Orleans years ago, and he spent the better part of a year researching the company, the production techniques and the origins of the casts. Today, Davis is able to work directly with the company to purchase these meticulous crafted frames.

Made in the United States using antique France molds, these frames are cast of pewter and electroplated with real 18-karat gold. “What makes these frames so unique is that they incorporate sterling silver into the pewter,” Tillman says. “It gives the flash-gold look of the late eighteen hundreds, and it's a sheen and a quality you aren't going to find elsewhere.”
The original French molds impart all the intricate details and unique forms from the art castings. “There are not many stores that carry these frames, and I just fell in love with them. The high quality of materials and antique detailing make them really stand-out pieces,” Tillman says.

Within each frame, Tillman placed an etching, from a damaged book. “We've saved these etchings from water-damaged books and other art collections,” he says. “They would normally have been trashed with the entire piece, but we were able to preserve and frame them. It's nice to pair the French-inspired frames with images of the same era.” No matter what they are holding, these frames are works of art and would make a wonderful addition to any home or antique collection.