Van Uffelen Gallery and Picture Framing

04/09/2026

Friday Framing Showcase

This week’s showcase is all about how the right frame can become part of the artwork.

This beautiful floral photograph by Laura Tait has been finished with a bold black frame and detailed gold inner frame. The touch of gold picks up the warm tones in the flowers, while the black creates a strong contrast and lets the colours really stand out.

The close-up lets you see the detail that goes into choosing and combining mouldings to create the finished look.

A striking piece and a great example of what custom framing can add to an artwork.

28/08/2026

**FRIDAY FRAMING SHOWCASE:

This beautiful Kotare Sacred Kingfisher Limited Edition Fine Art Print from artist Karen Gourlay certainly wasn’t going to disappear quietly into the background, so the framing needed to have just as much presence.

The deep blue matting picks up the rich blues in the bird and artwork, while the fine gold detail draws your eye back into the image. Then there’s that statement crackle-finish gold frame bold, warm and a great contrast against all those beautiful blues.

It’s a great example of how custom framing can completely change how an artwork feels, without taking attention away from the artwork itself.

Happy Friday to you all..

24/08/2026

A bit of teamwork in the workshop!

Lars and Andee are doing some maintenance on our large-format vacuum press, one of the specialised machines that helps us tackle bigger, more challenging framing projects that need to go flat! It can fit artworks 2400mm by 1300mm!

The vacuum press flattens and smooths artwork and other materials, helping remove wrinkles and create an even surface ready for framing. No boxtox needed in our industry 😆

Just another day behind the scenes at Van Uffelen Gallery & Picture Framing.

Have an artwork with a few wrinkles... no problem, we can sort it!

Check out the link below to find out more about our heat press!
https://www.vanuffelen.co.nz/services/large-format-mounting/

20/08/2026

🏁FRAMING SHOWCASE 🏁

Now this was a fun one!

Who says picture framing is just for pictures? These incredible model LEGO cars have been turned into statement pieces, with bold, coloured acrylic backgrounds completed with a simple box frame. This was a combined effort, as our lovely client also did some of the work, so we can't take all the credit!

A great example of how something a little different can become a real feature and it beats them sitting on a shelf or going back into the box!

Have something unusual you’d love to display? Challenge us; we love framing outside the square!

14/08/2026

A lovely Friday afternoon treat, kindly supplied by one of our clients. 🥰

Such a thoughtful gesture that really made our day. We really do feel very thankful to have such lovely clients, and the scones were absolutely delicious!

A perfect way to finish the week. 😊

11/08/2026

New Works by Manawatū Artist Ken Forbes

We’re pleased to have a new collection of original works by Manawatū artist Ken Forbes now available for sale in our gallery.

Featuring some of New Zealand’s much-loved birdlife, Ken’s latest works capture the character and detail of each bird beautifully. The collection has been presented in frames made here in our Palmerston North workshop, with Ken completing the final assembly himself.

Are You a Local Artist?

We’re also keen to hear from Manawatū artists or from artists from afar looking for a welcoming space to display and sell their work.

Our gallery provides an opportunity for original artwork to be seen by customers already visiting us with an interest in art, framing, and their homes. If you have a collection you think could be a good fit for our gallery space, we’d love to hear from you.

28/07/2026

Some artworks don't need bold colours to make an impression.

We recently framed this striking piece by Naga Tsutsumi, and from the moment it came into the workshop, we knew the framing needed to be understated. A simple black frame with a crisp white mat was all it needed to let the artwork speak for itself.

It's always rewarding to see a piece come together like this. The right frame doesn't steal the attention; it quietly enhances the artwork and gives it the presence it deserves.

Thanks to our client for trusting us with another special project. We hope it brings many years of enjoyment in its new home.

If you have an artwork you've been meaning to frame, we'd love to help you find the right design for it.

17/07/2026

09/07/2026

A privilege to frame something so meaningful.

Every now and then a project comes through our workshop that reminds us just how important picture framing can be.

This beautifully handcrafted Korowai was entrusted to us to be preserved, protected, and presented in a way that honours both its craftsmanship and its cultural significance.

Designing a frame for an item like this requires careful planning. Depth, support, spacing, and the choice of materials all play important roles in protecting the feathers while allowing the piece to be viewed and appreciated for years to come.

The finished result is a striking display that transforms an important cultural item into a lasting centrepiece for the home.

Thank you to our client for allowing us to share this special project.

If you have a treasured cultural item, garment, heirloom, or other significant object that deserves professional framing, we'd be delighted to discuss your options with you.

18/06/2026

This Ivan Clarke limited edition giclée recently left our workshop, and we couldn't help but share it.

There is something about Ivan Clarke's work that always makes people stop and take a second look. At first glance, it's a snowy ski scene, but before long you're noticing all the characters, expressions and little touches of humour woven throughout the artwork.

For this piece, we paired the print with a frame that gives it plenty of presence without overpowering the artwork itself.

It's always satisfying seeing a limited edition print move from being something carefully stored away to becoming a feature piece ready to be enjoyed every day.

Have you got a favourite artwork sitting in a spare room, in a cupboard, or under a bed, waiting to be framed?

Let our team bring it to life with a custom-made frame.