We recently framed two NY State License plates for a client in a custom shadow box frame.

Our client came in with two tattered license plates which had a great amount of sentimental value.  First we floated them onto a simpatico blue linen that worked well with the blue tones in the plates themselves. Next we determined spacing: 1″ in between the plates and 1-¼” all around. Also we had to account for a deep spacer to accommodate the bent plate’s dimension, making sure to leave at least ½” air space above the highest point.

Mounting was our next step, and it was critical because the plates, being bent, were not even.  To work around this, we attached each plate to a recessed 1/8″ archival mat board platform.  This allowed the plates to have an even surface to work with and then mount onto the blue fabric panel.

The frame we chose is a simple hand-finished cap frame in ash wood with a driftwood stain. This stain is complimentary to the grey/beige background of the plate.

The overall simpatico look of these components has a natural presence that makes these bent and tattered plates look like objects ready for the museum.