Preserving Elegance: Framing an Antique Gellé Frères Perfume Poster
A Timeless Treasure
Every so often, a piece comes through our doors that feels like stepping back in time. This stunning antique promotional poster for Gellé Frères Parfumeurs, the historic French perfume house, is one such treasure. With its vibrant illustrations of flowers, bottles, and elegant packaging, the poster speaks to an era when advertising was itself a work of art.
The client who brought us this piece wanted not only to preserve its delicate beauty but also to present it in a way that honored its heritage.
The Art of Perfume Promotion
Founded in Paris in the 1820s, Gellé Frères became known for luxurious fragrances and exquisite presentation. This poster captures the romance of the brand, featuring detailed drawings of perfume bottles nestled among roses, orchids, and lilies. The careful balance of text, color, and imagery is a hallmark of late 19th- and early 20th-century design, where beauty and marketing merged seamlessly.
As much as the perfumes themselves, posters like these were crafted to entice, decorate, and endure. Today, they are collector’s items, prized for their artistry and rarity.
Framing Challenges of Antique Posters
Antique posters present unique challenges. The paper is often fragile, and past exposure to light, humidity, or improper storage can leave lasting effects. To protect the delicate fibers of this piece, our framing approach focused on preservation first, presentation second.
We began by ensuring the poster was supported and separated from direct contact with the glass using spacers. This prevents any sticking or pressure damage over time, which is especially important for antique works on paper.
A Frame That Matches Its Era
For a poster with such historical charm, frame selection plays a critical role. We chose an ornate Larson Juhl Sofia gold frame, whose rich pattern and finish complement the gilded elegance of the era. The carved details echo the sophistication of the perfume house’s branding, while the warm gold tones highlight the richness of the flowers and bottles within the poster.
Museum-Quality Protection
To safeguard the poster from further aging, we used Tru Vue Museum Glass. This premium glass not only offers 99% UV protection to prevent fading but also provides unmatched clarity. The colors appear vibrant and undistorted, while reflections are minimized so the artwork itself takes center stage.
The result is a framing solution that looks beautiful today and will continue to protect the poster for years to come.
A Story Preserved for Generations
What makes this project special isn’t just the poster itself, but the story it carries. For our client, this wasn’t merely a decorative piece—it was a glimpse into history, a connection to French artistry and the timeless allure of perfume.
At JW Frame Crafters, our role is to honor that story. By blending the finest materials with expert craftsmanship, we ensure that every antique, collectible, or artwork entrusted to us is preserved as both a display piece and a lasting heirloom.
Display Specifications
- Frame – Larson Juhl Sofia Gold, ornate design
- Glazing – Tru Vue Museum Glass (99% UV protection, anti-reflective)
- Construction – Spacers to protect artwork from glass contact
- Artwork – Antique Gellé Frères Parfumeurs promotional poster