THE LEADERS Hertfordshire No. 1 picture framing & art restoration services
LOCAL CREATIVE FRAMING SINCE 1984
Whether you’re framing a cherished memory, a masterpiece, or your latest creative work, now’s the perfect time to give it the presentation it deserves.
📍 Visit us at:
ICAS Vilas Art Gallery
21 Commerce Way, Garden Square Shopping Centre, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3DN
📞 01462 677455
Where Art Meets Craftsmanship.
For over four decades, ICAS Vilas Art has excelled in delivering creative picture-framing solutions. Established in 1984, we have emerged as a leading provider of bespoke framing solutions, serving artists, photographers, galleries, corporates, and individuals.
The ICAS 3 P’s of Bespoke Framing: Preserve, Protect, Present
At ICAS, we believe that framing is far more than simply choosing a frame to surround a picture. A well-designed frame should enhance the artwork, protect it for the future and ensure that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
That is why we have developed our approach around three essential principles: Preserve, Protect and Present.
Preserve
Every artwork, photograph, print or treasured keepsake has a story. Our priority is to help preserve that story.
Using appropriate conservation materials and professional framing techniques, we can help minimise the effects of ageing, light, humidity, dust and other environmental factors. For valuable or sentimental pieces, our framing specialists can recommend conservation-grade mounts, backing boards, and glazing designed to help maintain the artwork’s condition and integrity.
Preservation is particularly important when framing original artwork, limited editions, photographs, historic documents, family memorabilia and other irreplaceable items. The right materials and construction techniques can make a significant difference to how an item ages over time.
Protect
Protection is at the heart of every quality frame. The wrong framing materials can potentially damage artwork over time, while the right combination of mount, backing, glazing and frame construction provides a protective environment between the artwork and the outside world.
At ICAS, we consider factors such as the type and condition of the artwork, its location, exposure to natural light and how it will be displayed. Where appropriate, we can recommend specialist glazing and conservation materials to provide additional protection from harmful UV light, dust and other environmental influences.
Our aim is simple: to protect what matters to you without compromising its appearance.
Present
Finally, there is the way your artwork is presented. A frame should complement the artwork rather than compete with it. The right combination of frame, mount, colour, proportions and glazing can transform how a piece looks and feels within a room.
Our experienced framing team works with you to understand the artwork, your personal taste, and the space where it will be displayed. Whether your style is traditional, contemporary, minimalist or
something completely individual, we help you create a presentation that feels right. And because ICAS is also a fine art gallery, our understanding of art goes beyond the frame. We appreciate the relationship between artwork, framing and interior space—and can help you make choices that bring the whole picture together.
Three principles. One ICAS approach. Preserve what you value. Protect what you treasure. Present it beautifully.
For more than four decades, ICAS has combined craftsmanship, experience and personal service to create bespoke frames that do more than surround a picture. They help preserve memories, protect
artwork and present the things you love at their very best. ICAS — Picture your Frame.
DO YOU FRAME MEMORABILIA AND SPORTS shirts?
Yes, over the years, we have been fortunate to be asked to frame sports shirts from Grand Prix Formula One racing, football, cycling, rugby, tennis, cricket, and swimming. Each completed project poses unique challenges, but we strive to create a frame that tells a story, incorporating photos and historical references, and to select the best frame profile and mount style that both protect the memento and display it at its best. Click to view
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE ON A FRAMING & MOUNTING STYLE?
A well-designed frame with a mount style can complement your art and deliver the overall experience. We will guide you through various ways to mount your piece, each idea utilising different materials and achieving a distinct overall finish.
Choosing the right colour tone for the mount style often comes down to the effect you are looking for, the type of art you are framing, and personal taste. A well-thought-out combination of frame profile, mount, and mounting style will enhance a photo, original art, print, or piece of memorabilia and give the piece an authentic visual identity.
Our average turnaround time is 7-10 days, and we can offer picture framing within 24-48 hours. ( Subject to stock availability for an optional extra).
Why not contact us with your framing requirements? Our professional and friendly staff can offer their advice and recommendations to best suit your needs.
FREE Pickup and delivery service
Get in touch today, and let us talk about your framing requirements.
We can arrange for the collection to be made at your home.
CALL US today to book an appointment for our framing services.
Stretching & mounting of tapestries, cross-stitch, canvas paintings & papyrus framing;
CANVAS STRETCHING We can stretch canvases to any size needed. We use standard stretcher bars or custom-made oversized stretcher bars.
Do you handle large, oversized bespoke framing? Click for more
Yes, we can handle large, oversized framing. Mr and Mrs Covington return from their holidays in Egypt with a giant papyrus – a modern image of the Pyramids at night. We completed our framing service using a 70mm flat natural wood profile custom stained to match their papyrus, protected and preserved behind Perspex glass, with the final frame measuring 230cm x 130cm (6ft 10″ x 3ft 10″), weight 22kgs. After framing, we completed our services with our hanging service, by fitting it into their lounge.
What Our Customers Say
Over the year, we have served clients covering the areas around Hertfordshire, Hitchin, Letchworth, St Albans, Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, Knebworth, Royston, new develops around Fairfield Park, Stotfold, Bedford, Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, Middlesex, London areas, Kent, Surrey, and Hampshire, as satisfied clients that regularly continue to use our services.
Our List of Commercial and Corporate clients includes the following:
ADEPT SCIENTIFIC PLC; ASHE Construction; COOK (UK) & EUROPE, RANK XEROX; OAKLEY(UK) LTD; AUTOGLYM; SHOWCARD GROUP; WILLMOTT DIXON; WHEATLEY HOMES LTD;
NORTON WAY (HONDA); AIMNS; CONAMAR BUILDING SERVICES; HSBC BANK; ZEUS GREEK RESTAURANT; BENCHMARKS; MOUNTAINHEATH; NORTH HERTFORDSHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL;
HEWDEN STUART PLC; GARDEN HOUSE HOSPICE; HOWARD COTTAGE; JCA ENGINEERING LTD; BROADWAY CINEMA; THE RICHARD KLEINWORT CONSULTANCY GROUP- LONDON;
SIBISA – LONDON; DUCKWORTH & KENT LTD.
