Preserving Legacy: The Story of Anielo Buono, Hartford’s Cigar Maker
A Family’s Legacy Reimagined
Every now and then, a project comes through our shop that beautifully bridges craftsmanship, history, and personal legacy. This piece, created for a long-time client, celebrates the life and work of his grandfather, Anielo Buono, a cigar maker in Hartford, Connecticut many years ago.
When the client first came to JW Frame Crafters, he brought with him a newspaper article about his grandfather’s cigar shop — an incredible piece of family and local history. The article, yellowed and worn with time, captured a moment that spoke to a bygone era of handmade artistry and hard work.
Our mission was to preserve that story — and elevate it into a heirloom-quality keepsake that the family could treasure for generations.
Restoring History, Digitally
The original newspaper article had suffered the effects of age. The paper was brittle, and the print had faded unevenly. To ensure the best preservation, we carefully scanned and digitally restored the article using Adobe Photoshop, cleaning up stains and damage while maintaining its vintage tone and texture.
From there, the restored article was reprinted on archival-quality paper, ensuring both durability and aesthetic authenticity.
More Than a Frame — A Story Told Through Design
Instead of using traditional framing materials, we wanted to reflect the soul of the story — craftsmanship, smoke, and the scent of tobacco. To achieve that, we designed a custom wooden mat, laser-engraved and cut to mimic the look of an old cigar box lid.
Using Adobe Illustrator, we recreated the Anielo Buono Cigars logo, incorporating period-inspired typography and ornamental linework to frame the article. When engraved, the laser’s burn marks created a natural patina, resembling a hot-iron brand pressed into a cigar box.
The result is a perfect fusion of nostalgia and artistry — a frame that feels authentic to its subject.
Preserving the Original Tobacco
The most remarkable feature of this project lies at the bottom of the piece: a small mylar-encased pouch containing original tobacco leaves once used by Anielo Buono himself.
The client had preserved these leaves for decades, a tangible link to his grandfather’s craft. He divided them evenly among four identical pieces, each gifted to a different family member. The leaves are displayed safely in a sealed, archival mylar window, allowing them to be admired without exposure to air or moisture.
This detail transformed each frame into more than a tribute — it became a family relic, connecting generations through touch, scent, and story.
Craftsmanship Rooted in Tradition
We framed the finished piece in a rich, burl-wood frame, chosen for its natural depth and vintage warmth. Its organic grain complements the engraved wooden mat while adding contrast and sophistication to the sepia tones of the article.
Every decision — from the typeface to the alignment of the openings — was made to honor the craftsmanship that Anielo himself embodied: patience, precision, and pride in one’s work.
A Tribute to Handcrafted Heritage
This project represents the best of what custom framing can achieve — preserving more than just paper or objects, but the very story of a family’s heritage.
At JW Frame Crafters, we’re honored to be part of projects like this — where framing isn’t simply display, but devotion.
Display Specifications
- Frame – Burl wood moulding with vintage tone
- Matting – Laser-engraved wood mat designed to resemble a cigar box lid
- Glazing – Museum Glass (99% UV protection, anti-reflective)
- Construction – Archival reprint of original article, mylar window for tobacco leaves
- Design Software – Adobe Photoshop (restoration) and Adobe Illustrator (layout & engraving)