Family business celebrates 50th anniversary by partnering with three renowned art galleries
A second-generation family business has teamed up with three of the UK's most renowned art institutions.
Bollington-based Harten Frameworks marked its 50th anniversary by providing services for 'Going to Africa', a striking acrylic painting by Isabel Adonis which is set to be archived and exhibited as part of Wales' contemporary art collection at the National Library of Wales.
The art frame manufacturer has also recently partnered with the National Portrait Gallery in London on the 'People by People' project and completed a project for Tate Britain, delivering bespoke welded and polished face frames.
Frances McDonnell, managing director, said: "The project with Isabel Adonis epitomises our favourite part of our work - it preserves memories and people and feelings that should be celebrated and presents them beautifully. We're grateful to Isabel for choosing us to work with.
"Also, working in partnership with the UK's most prestigious art galleries this year has been phenomenal and has wrapped up a memorable 50th year in business, giving us a great outlook on the next chapter.
"We are so looking forward to the next phase for Harten - and we have great clients to share it with - even if we can't shout out who all of them are! Our ambition is always to improve what we do and to take the craftsmanship that defines Harten Frameworks to a wider audience."
Isabel Adonis added: "The work they have done is truly top-notch.
"Seeing the painting framed completely transformed its impact.
"The colours, the details—everything comes to life.
"I was working on this piece in a small space, and once it was framed, the figures seemed to leap from the canvas. It changed the way I perceive my work."
Founded in 1974 by Ian McDonnell as Art Graphics in London, the business initially concentrated on creating framed silk-screen prints for prestigious clients like Selfridges, as well as collaborating with prominent art galleries such as Halcyon Gallery and the Royal Academy.
Ian said: "I'm not sure I had a major goal in mind – it was simply a way to make a living.
"Establishing a diverse business-to-business model for Art Graphics provided us with the foundation to collaborate with some of the most prestigious companies."
In 1990, the business relocated to Cheshire, and in 2008, Ian passed the reins to his son Simon McDonnell and daughter-in-law Frances who continued to secure prestigious projects, including a commission of 248 frames for Chelsea FC in 2018, which showcased the football club's heritage.
Rebranding as Harten Frameworks in 2022, the company now operates from a 5,000 sq ft workshop facility at the Adelphi Mill in Bollington.
Production director Simon said: "When Frances and I took over we wanted to honour my father's legacy while evolving the business to meet modern demands.
"We've expanded into using advanced materials like welded aluminium and acrylics and introduced specialised departments to enhance our capabilities.
"This year's collaborations with the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain underscore our commitment to excellence.
"I didn't choose this business; it chose me. And I'm proud to carry forward the legacy my father began, ensuring that Harten Frameworks continues to thrive for generations to come."
As the company looks toward the future, Harten Frameworks plans to expand internationally while continuing to innovate in framing techniques and materials.
Frances added: "We're exploring partnerships and new markets in Hong Kong and Dubai that align with our ethos of quality and innovation.
"This business, now in its second generation, remains rooted in the values that Ian McDonnell instilled: courage and a big heart to put our clients first, combined with values of professionalism, authenticity, and craftsmanship."
Subscribe to our FREE weekly newsletter email HERE - just click the 'SIGN UP' button.
You can also follow Macclesfield Nub News on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram or Bluesky.
Share:
