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Dennis Fox: Production Manager
Lowy’s Production manager, Dennis Fox, got his first job in picture framing after
graduating college as a geology major. "I loved what I studied but didn’t love
the type of jobs I was offered when I graduated," he laughs, "so I took a
decidedly more comfortable job at a small frame shop. After a few years I had mastered the
technical skills of the framer and knew how the business ran, so when I decided to move
back to my hometown of Mamaroneck, NY, I opened my own framing studio, where I worked
mostly for galleries." One summer, Dennis heard through a friend who worked at Lowy
that they were looking to fill a part-time position in the fitting department. "I
thought it would be exciting to work with all the antique frames, so I took the job,
thinking it would be temporary thing," he remembers. That was ten years ago, and
today as Production Manager, Fox is responsible for all framing projects, from the time a
salesperson writes an order to its eventual completion.
What does it mean to be "production manager?" At Lowy, all frames are either
antique or custom made. After the salesperson discusses the job in depth with the client,
Dennis relates the details to the appropriate craftsmen, offering ideas and communicating
the client’s vision. "For example, in the case of an antique frame that needs to
be sized, I’ll work with the carver to determine where to make the cuts and how to
resolve the carving elements." When the frame comes back form the carving shop,
Dennis will consult with the finishers to talk about cleaning and restoration. "We
might do test patches to determine how much we can clean without damaging the original
patina, then discuss repairs to the gesso or gilt layer that may be needed." Once the
size of the frame is correct and the surface is finished, Fox works with the fitting
department, then hands the work over to be shipped out.
"I’ve always been a history buff, always loved to touch and examine antiques to
see how they were constructed and kept alive," he says with a soft smile. "Our
artisans are masters of their crafts but don’t always visualize the entire process. I
am one step closer to the client’s voice. My job is essentially critical path
management, or to put it more poetically, to turn the client’s dream into
reality."
Freddy Romero:
is one of the newest members of the Lowy staff of fine craftsmen. Originally from Ecuador, he has lived in the United States for twenty-eight years. Freddy was trained here in the States in carpentry and has been doing composition work for more than eighteen years, refining his skills to the highest level. Mastering the technique of composition frames requires a keen eye, expert hands, and many years of experience.
Freddy copies and restores the 19 th century composition frames in Lowy’s extensive inventory. Right now he’s creating molds for the new line of composition frames we’re launching that features a selection of original 19 th and early 20 th century designs. To create a cast from a mold, Freddy begins by selecting a section of a frame that has no imperfections. Because a mold makes an exact copy, any imperfection would be transferred to the frame he’s reproducing. Freddy next decides on the density of the compo he will use to fill the mold. (Compo is a mixture of chalk or whiting, glue, resin, and linseed oil.) The type of frame or ornament he’s casting determines what that density will be. For example, for a panel he would use a dense mixture that dries slowly. To cast a deep ornament for a frame repair, he would use a less dense mixture because it will dry quickly. Freddy takes great care in mixing the compo to avoid creating air bubbles, which would compromise the integrity, and thus the beauty, of the design. After the composition has set in the mold, Freddy removes it and applies it to the frame.
When he applies an ornament or a panel directly onto a clean wood surface, Freddy doesn’t need to use an adhesive because the wood absorbs moisture from the composition. An ornament or panel applied to a gessoed wood surface does require the application of carpenter’s glue, however.Once applied, composition air-dries quickly and becomes harder than wood.To prepare it for gilding,Freddy applies gesso and clay to the composition.
“I enjoy the challenge of the work,” says Freddy. “My goal is always to make each frame repair appear so flawless it’s a perfect copy, faithful to the original antique design. I love the uniqueness and beauty of the many designs I’ve encountered.” His is an integral role in Lowy’s expanding new line, and Lowy is pleased to welcome him to our creative team.
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