Honoring Achievement: A Doctor’s Medals Transformed into Timeless Display
A Lifetime of Dedication
Every framed project tells a story, but some speak to a lifetime of dedication, study, and sacrifice. This project was commissioned by a client who wanted to showcase her collection of medals and awards earned throughout her medical education and career.
Each medal represented a milestone—years of perseverance, long nights of study, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Rather than keeping them tucked away, she wanted them displayed as a beautiful tribute to her journey and accomplishments.
Reimagining Traditional Medals
The medals, originally designed to be worn on ribbons, needed a complete redesign to translate into a clean, elegant display. Our solution began with a concept of transformation—to retain their integrity while giving them a new, modern presentation.
Each medal was carefully disassembled by hand, with the ribbon loop gently removed to preserve the coin face. The ribbons themselves were repurposed as decorative design elements, creating two striking horizontal bands—one at the top, one at the bottom—bringing symmetry and warmth to the composition.
Balancing Artistry and Precision
Arranging a collection like this requires both design precision and visual rhythm. We began by mapping each medal’s placement digitally to ensure even spacing, alignment, and proportional balance within the shadowbox.
A deep black matboard was selected as the backdrop, allowing the gold and silver tones of the medals to shine. This contrast not only highlights each medal but also gives the display a sense of gravity and formality fitting for a distinguished career.
At the heart of the piece, a custom-printed recognition panel lists each award, its title, and the corresponding year of achievement. The inclusion of this panel transforms the shadowbox into both a work of art and a personal archive.
Elegance in Simplicity
For the frame, we chose a sleek, modern Larson Juhl black shadowbox profile, known for its clean lines and depth. The understated finish complements the bold metallic surfaces of the medals and the color bands of the repurposed ribbons, creating an elegant balance between tradition and modernity.
To protect the medals from dust, oxidation, and UV exposure, we used Tru Vue Museum Glass—the highest standard for clarity and protection. This ensures that the intricate engraving and reflective surfaces remain perfectly visible from every angle without glare.
A Display of Pride and Purpose
When the project was completed, what began as a collection of medals became a unified tribute to a remarkable career. The client now has a permanent, museum-quality display that captures the pride and meaning behind each accomplishment.
It stands as both a celebration of personal success and a reminder of the dedication it takes to serve others through medicine.
At JW Frame Crafters, we believe custom framing is about more than presentation—it’s about preservation. Whether for a lifetime of professional honors, family heirlooms, or personal milestones, we take pride in crafting displays that will endure and inspire for generations.
Display Specifications
- Frame – Larson Juhl black shadowbox profile
- Matting – Black archival matboard with custom openings
- Glazing – Tru Vue Museum Glass (99% UV protection, anti-reflective)
- Design Elements – Repurposed medal ribbons as decorative accents
- Construction – Archival mounting and precision alignment for medals and printed panel