We always love when our customers bring us projects that allow us to refresh and renew older picture framing—especially when the piece carries deep family meaning. It’s incredibly rewarding to see a cherished photograph restored, beautifully reframed, and ready to be enjoyed today and for generations to come.

Recently, a customer brought us a photograph of his grandfather with fellow railroad workers at the railyard. His grandfather was the yardmaster, and the picture was taken around 1953. The photo had been in its original frame for decades—a narrow wooden frame with weak corners, cardboard backing, masking tape holding everything together, and the photo pressed directly against the glass. Needless to say, it was due for an update!

Once we carefully removed the photo, our customer realized its fragile condition and mentioned that he wished he had a larger version. That opened the door for photo restoration. We scanned the image, digitally restored it, and created an enlarged print ready for custom framing. While colorization was an option, our customer loved the vintage black-and-white feel and chose to keep it true to the original.

To add context and personality, we asked if he had any mementos from his grandfather’s railroad days to include in the frame design. While he didn’t have any at hand, he planned to bring in a Frisco Railroad pin—an ideal way to connect the photo to the story it tells.

Together, we designed a frame that felt authentic to the period without looking dated. The chosen frame was a black panel design with subtle woodgrain and a lightly distressed edge—refined, with a touch of history, but not rustic. For the matting, we selected a coarse grey linen to complement the photograph. To elevate the design, we wrapped the mat in fabric and carried it through to the bevel, giving the thick 8-ply mat a crisp, finished look. The Frisco pin was highlighted with its own oval opening, ensuring it became part of the story rather than just an accessory.

For balance, we added a delicate thread line—an elegant black accent that visually linked the pin and the photo, tying the design together. As a final touch, we scanned the handwritten notes from the back of the original photo, where our customer’s father had recorded the year and the names of those pictured. We mounted a print of that note on the back of the finished frame, creating a connection across three generations.

When our customer came to pick it up, he was thrilled. He said his father would be proud, and he was grateful to now have a daily reminder of both his father and grandfather displayed with honor.

Projects like this remind us why custom framing matters. It’s not just about preservation and picture framing—it’s about celebrating stories, protecting memories, and creating something meaningful that will last for years to come.