Framed Pastel of the Rocky Hill - Glastonbury Ferry Landing
Capturing a Familiar View
Art often celebrates the places closest to our hearts. This original pastel by Peggy Mock captures the landing area in South Glastonbury. It is the view you see when stepping off the Rocky Hill–Glastonbury Ferry, a crossing that has connected communities for centuries. The painting shows quiet water, leafy trees, and the shoreline bathed in soft color. It is a piece rooted in both place and memory.
A Local Artist’s Touch
Peggy Mock’s pastel work highlights the natural beauty of the Connecticut River valley. Pastels bring texture and depth, giving the piece a luminous quality. The gentle layering of color reflects the play of light across water and land. Her strokes are expressive, yet controlled, making the viewer feel present on the riverbank. This is not just a landscape—it is an invitation to step into a moment of peace.
A Careful Matting Choice
To bring out the softness of the artwork, we selected an 8-ply Artique Whitewash mat. The thickness of the 8-ply mat provides depth, creating a subtle shadow line that separates art from frame. Whitewash tones keep the focus on the pastel’s rich greens and blues. The matting also ensures the pastel has breathing room, protecting it from direct contact with the glass. This enhances both presentation and preservation.
Selecting the Perfect Frame
For the frame, we turned to Larson Juhl’s Waterwoods Collection, choosing Tahoe Blue. This frame has a weathered finish that mirrors the character of natural wood touched by time and water. Its soft blue-gray tones echo the river and sky in the painting. The profile offers structure without overwhelming the artwork, creating balance between strength and subtlety. The frame feels both contemporary and timeless, making it a perfect fit for this local landscape.
Protecting with Museum Glass
Pastels are delicate, requiring the highest level of protection. We fitted this piece with Tru Vue Museum Glass, offering 99% UV protection. This glazing prevents fading from sunlight and indoor lighting. Museum Glass also reduces glare, allowing viewers to appreciate the full depth of color and detail without distraction. The clarity is so high that the glass virtually disappears, letting the artwork shine without barriers.
Preserving Local History
This pastel is more than a work of art—it preserves a familiar piece of Glastonbury’s history. The ferry, still in operation today, has transported travelers since the 1600s. Generations have stood at this landing, watching the river flow past. By framing the painting with care, we protect both the art and the memory it represents. It is a celebration of local tradition, captured through the eyes of an artist who knows the river well.
A Lasting Showcase
The combination of matting, frame, and museum glass creates a showcase worthy of the painting’s subject. It is built to endure, keeping the pastel safe while allowing its beauty to be enjoyed for decades. This framed piece now stands as a tribute to place, history, and craftsmanship—all anchored by the timeless waters of the Connecticut River.
Display Specifications
- Frame – Tahoe Blue, Larson Juhl Waterwoods Collection
- Matting – 8-ply Artique Whitewash
- Glazing – Tru Vue Museum Glass, 99% UV protection