Framed Historic Zoning Map – Town of Glastonbury
A Special Discovery
Our customer made a remarkable discovery while organizing personal belongings. She found a zoning map from the very year she moved to Glastonbury. It was a document that carried deep meaning, linking her personal story to the town’s history. For her, the map symbolized the moment she planted roots in the community.
The Story Within the Map
Maps are more than paper. They reflect how a place once defined itself and how people lived within those boundaries. This zoning map offered a rare glimpse into Glastonbury’s past. It charted not only roads and parcels but also the vision of a growing town. For someone who had built a life here, it became a treasured artifact.
Age and Condition
Time, however, had taken its toll. The map had developed creases and wrinkles, evidence of years spent folded or stored. Its structure was intact, but its presentation needed careful attention. Our goal was to restore it respectfully, preserving both detail and authenticity. With patience, we smoothed the wrinkles, stabilized the paper, and prepared it for long-term display.
Designing the Presentation
Once the restoration was complete, we turned to the framing design. Matting and framing are more than decoration—they set the stage for preservation. For this project, we paired Artique Birch and Artique Night matting. Birch provided a clean, light base, while Night offered contrast and depth. Together, they emphasized the crisp lines of the map without distracting from its content.
A Timeless Frame
The frame choice was equally deliberate. We selected an Espresso finish from Larson Juhl’s Brighton Collection. Its rich tone added warmth, while its classic style gave the map a timeless presence. The Brighton profile has a refined character, making it suitable for both modern and traditional interiors. The frame created balance: strong enough to anchor the map, yet subtle enough to let it shine.
Protecting the Map
Protection was a critical step. Historic maps are highly vulnerable to fading when exposed to light. To safeguard this piece, we used Tru Vue 99% UV Conservation Clear glass. This glazing blocks nearly all harmful UV rays, ensuring the map’s colors and lines remain intact. It also reduces glare, making the details easy to view in any setting. The glass turned fragile paper into a preserved display.
More Than a Framed Document
The finished piece was more than a framed document. It became a preserved memory, blending personal history with community legacy. Every line and marking told a story about Glastonbury’s past. For the customer, it was a reminder of her journey here. For her family and friends, it was a conversation piece that connected them to the town’s history.
The Heart of Custom Framing
Custom framing projects like this highlight the heart of our work. Every object carries a story worth honoring. Some are deeply personal—medals, photographs, or family letters. Others connect to larger histories—maps, documents, or artifacts from the past. Our role is to respect those stories. With archival materials and skilled craftsmanship, we transform them into lasting displays.
Collaboration and Care
The process is always collaborative. The customer brings the vision, and we bring the technical expertise. In this case, she wanted her map not just restored, but celebrated. We designed the presentation to honor that wish. By pairing the right matting, frame, and protective glass, we turned her vision into reality.
A Lasting Legacy
Now, the map rests in its new frame, proud and secure. The wrinkles of age have been smoothed away, replaced with strength and elegance. It hangs as a testament to preservation, memory, and community. What was once tucked away is now displayed with honor, ready to inspire stories for years to come.
Why It Matters
Every project reminds us why custom framing matters. It is about more than wood, matting, and glass. It is about protecting the things that mean the most and presenting them with dignity. This Glastonbury zoning map is proof of what thoughtful design can achieve. A personal keepsake became a timeless piece of history, preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Display Specifications
- Frame - Larson Juhl Brighton Collection in Expresso
- Matting - Artique Birch and Artique Night matting
- Glazing - Tru Vue 99% UV Conservation Clear glass