NEW YORK, NY.- Today, we bring you an exclusive interview with Eli Wilner, a name synonymous with the pinnacle of artistic preservation. For decades, Wilner has been the master craftsman behind some of the world's most exquisite and historically significant picture frames, transforming not just art, but the very way we see it. From humble beginnings to restoring frames for masterpieces at institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the White House, Eli Wilner's journey is as rich and intricate as the gilded carvings he meticulously brings back to life. Join us as we delve into the world of this legendary framer, exploring his passion, his process, and the quiet artistry that elevates the works of the masters.

1. How did you get started in the field of frame restoration and reproduction?

As a young boy I gifted my paintings to my great uncle, and he placed period frames on each and hung them next to his artwork by Modigliani and Chagall. I of course was convinced I was a great artist. Not till years later did I recognize how his generosity allowed me to develop my passion for frames.

My journey began with a dedication for frames, fine art, and history. I realized early on that the frame is not just a border, but a powerful narrative element that can elevate or diminish a work of art. I founded my business in 1983 with the goal of restoring the rightful place of historically appropriate frames in museums and collections. Since then, we’ve built one of the largest collections of period frames and have worked with major institutions to reframe iconic works.

2. What sets your studio apart from others in the field?

We are the only frame atelier with a dedicated research department focused on American period framing in addition to European. Our team combines art historical expertise with master-level craftsmanship to produce museum-quality frames using traditional techniques. Whether we’re reproducing a lost frame from a historical photograph or conserving a 200-year-old original, we approach every piece with scholarly rigor and artistic sensitivity.


The Oval Office, with Childe Hassam’s "Avenue in the Rain," one of 28 paintings in the White House collection framed by Eli Wilner & Company, installed behind The Resolute Desk.

3. How do you collaborate with curators or institutions on framing projects?

Each collaboration begins with understanding the artwork's context—its date, artist, provenance, and original framing intentions. We provide curators with visual references, period-correct options, and conservation guidance. Our process is transparent, collaborative, and always guided by curatorial goals. We’ve partnered with institutions like The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian, and the White House to ensure their collections are framed with historical integrity.

4. How do you approach historical accuracy and conservation ethics in your work?

Historical accuracy is at the core of everything I do. Each frame we create or restore is based on careful research, deep respect for the original period, and a commitment to conservation ethics—not just aesthetics. One of the most meaningful examples of this was our work on Washington Crossing the Delaware for The Metropolitan Museum of Art. That project required not only technical mastery but historical empathy. We recreated the original American frame that had long been separated from the painting—bringing back its intended visual authority and symbolic resonance.

Similarly, I've had the honor of working on 27 projects for The White House, across multiple administrations. These frames are not just decorative—they’re national symbols. Whether it’s a 19th-century landscape or a presidential portrait, the frame must echo the gravitas and historical context of the work. In these spaces, even the smallest details carry cultural weight, and we treat them with the reverence they deserve.

To me, a great frame doesn’t just complement the art—it restores the soul of its time.


Pablo Picasso's “Dora Maar au Chat” (1941), 51 x 38 inches, in a replica frame by Eli Wilner & Company for Sotheby’s. Sale price $95,000,000.

5. What types of projects or institutions are you most passionate about working with now?

I’m especially passionate about helping museums reframe neglected or under-recognized works. A historically appropriate frame can completely transform how a painting is perceived and valued. I also enjoy mentoring the next generation of curators and conservators on the role of framing in museum practice. Our studio remains committed to supporting both major institutions and smaller regional museums across the United States and around the world in preserving visual heritages.